The first weekend of April, PolarQuest’s annual staff seminar was held in Gothenburg – a chance for guides, expedition leaders, and office staff to meet, get inspired, and prepare for the upcoming season. It was a few eventful days filled with warm reunions and new connections. Now, we look forward to an exciting season in the Arctic and Northern Norway – and to welcoming all our fantastic travellers on board!
The weekend began with joyful reunions for many, and we were also delighted to welcome a few new faces. It also marked the official start of the 2025 season! Bringing together both guides and office staff for a joint kick-off each year is something of a unique initiative in our industry – a tradition that is both important and highly appreciated.
The word that best captures how I felt after the guide meeting is – togetherness! At PolarQuest, we have the privilege of working with many guides who return year after year, and that creates a truly special sense of community.
Mia Lundqvist, Guide Manager and guide
I really appreciated how many people came together, with the wealth of experience everyone brought, and the intensity of engagement throughout. Tackling key operational issues while also addressing concerns raised by the field staff last season was incredibly valuable – it fostered a shared understanding and a strong sense of learning.
Henry Páll Wulff, Operations Manager and Expedition Leader
As part of our annual routine, we once again spent a day at the shooting range. There, the guides had the opportunity to refresh their knowledge of firearm safety and do some target practice. Debbie Bouma, guide and zoologist, also gave a highly appreciated talk on animal behaviour. The final day was dedicated to first aid and CPR training.
In the evenings, the sense of community continued around the dinner table – a chance to relax, share thoughts, and simply enjoy each other's company.
