Displaying items by tag:Rachel Williams

Operational technology and AI-assisted trip planning are forces reshaping how specialist travel operators need to position themselves, says Viva Expeditions founder and managing director Rachel Williams. 

Viva Expeditions has announced Tara Sutherland as its new general manager. She steps into the role with 17 years of experience in the adventure travel industry, including 11 years at Viva. Her expertise spans all of Viva’s destinations, from Antarctica and the Arctic to Africa and Latin America.

Viva Expeditions has launched a new incentive for agents, offering the chance to win a $2,000 LATAM flight credit.

Viva Expeditions is hailing the success of last year’s VIP Antarctica cruise, the company’s first full charter to the continent.

With the start of the 2023-24 Antarctic cruise season just over three months away, Viva reports that some popular Antarctic operators are close to sold out on many departures.

Viva has seen massive interest in Antarctica recently, with the continent making up more than 60% of the company’s enquiries in recent months.

Viva Expeditions has released a new seven-day itinerary taking in the highlights of Northern Morocco.

Departing from Casablanca, the Moroccan Northern Delights package includes a guided tour of Rabat, two nights in the ‘blue city’ of Chefchaouen, an excursion to the Akchour waterfalls, and two full days exploring the culture, cuisine and history of Fes.

Moving full steam ahead with a strong team and product mix is the priority for Viva Expeditions as it marks its first 15 years in business, says managing director Rachel Williams.

The company had a double celebration at the Ellen Melville Centre in Auckland late July, focusing particularly on the launch of its new Africa collection as well as the significant anniversary.

Viva has launched a new range of Africa tours and packages today, encompassing 13 countries from South Africa to Jordan. While this is the first time Viva has offered travel to Africa, the adventure travel company has strong ties to the continent.

Viva Expeditions has a new 13-day ‘VIP Antarctica’ small-ship tour with special guests onboard – Sir John Key and modern-day polar explorer Professor Mike Stroud.

Chartering the new luxury expedition vessel Ocean Albatros, Viva is taking them and up to 196 passengers to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands in November 2023.

Viva Expeditions has welcomed back Daniela Wards into its reservations team after stepping back during Covid.

Hailing from Chile and with a depth of experience in travel to Latin America, Wards is an expert on South America and Central America.