PONANT was one of two luxury travel and cruise companies recognised at the final gala of The Summit in Monaco this month, Forbes Travel Guide‘s annual conference attended by hundreds of luxury partners from around the world.
Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, took to the stage during the black tie gala – which had earlier been opened by the one-and-only songstress, Dame Shirley Bassey – to announce the inaugural winners of the new #EdgeList.
Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.Elger described the EdgeList category as “high octane adventure with indulgent luxury, representing exceptional access to the world’s most remote, untouched destinations, blended with world class comfort.”
Describing the two recipients, Elger added: “Not just a once in the lifetime experience, but also a good steward of the environment and the destinations they serve.”
PONANT’s Le Commandant Charcot was the recognised for its ability to “unlock access to the Arctic and Antarctic in unparalleled comfort, with Michelin star dining.”
Hervé Gastinel, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer said the new award recognises “revolutionalary travel experiences that go beyond conventional luxury ratings”.
Gastinel continued, saying “To be surrounded by so many prestigious hotels and resort, to be awarded tonight as a cruise company, PONANT is very deeply honoured by the gesture and recognition.
“PONANT is a group of three luxury exploration brands, PONANT Explorations, Paul Gauguin Cruises and Aqua Expeditions. We travel where others do not go.
“This ship, Le Commandant Charcot, is a very unique vessel. It’s not just a vessel. It’s a ship of expedition, of discovery. It’s a bridge between expedition, luxury and purpose. We travel with a sense of responsibility, especially to those very fragile areas, and we are honoured to have on board Alain Ducasse and great partners
“Its very meaningful to us that you chose this new category.”
The other luxury travel company was NIHI Sumba in Indonesia.
LATTE Cruise reported from Monaco as a guest of Forbes Travel Guide. Australia’s only media participating in the eve.
