The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators  has appointed Tudor Morgan to its leading role. Morgan is VP Government and Industry relations at IAATO member operator Hurtigruten Expeditions.

IAATO is a member organization founded in 1991 to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic.

The appointment was made at IAATO’s annual meeting in Rhode Island, US.

Morgan takes the reins from Robyn Woodhead, who steps down after five years on the EC, the last one as chair.

“Tudor’s vast experience in Antarctic matters and IAATO give him a broad perspective of the challenges in front of us. I’m looking forward to working with him in his new role,” said IAATO Executive Director Gina Greer.

Morgan has been involved in Antarctic-related fields since 1994, working for British Antarctic Survey, and later UK Antarctic Heritage Trust.

He has been awarded the Queen’s Polar Medal for outstanding service to Antarctic science and heritage.

“It’s a privilege to represent and work with the members and polar stakeholders as Chair of the Executive Committee. As we come out of this pandemic, focusing on sustainability, and introducing new members to our mission and vision, we have a lot of work to do to strengthen our core values in readiness for the challenges ahead,” said the newly elected Chair.

EXPERIENCED EXPLORER: Tudor Morgan has been exploring and advocating responsible adventure travel to Antarctica for decades. Photo: Hurtigruten Expeditions

Morgan was Operations Manager at IAATO, before joining the full-time staff at Hurtigruten Expeditions. In Hurtigruten Expeditions, he has worked as Expedition Leader on MS Midnatsol and MS Spitsbergen before going ashore to work in Expedition Team Management.

He is currently VP Government and Industry relations, Chairs the HRX Sustainability Advisory board, and is a member of the Board of the Hurtigruten Foundation.

“This appointment is a particularly well-deserved recognition of Tudor’s integrity, commitment, and diverse expertise. It mirrors the tremendous work he puts in with the rest of the Hurtigruten Expeditions team to ensure sustainability and accountability across all layers of our operations – and to influence the industry for the better. We are the world’s leading global expedition cruise operator and the largest operator in Antarctica. This position comes with a great responsibility. Actively exercising our IAATO membership is key for us to be accountable,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.