Small ship expedition specialist, Aurora Expeditions, has appointed Samantha Gorin (pictured) as Sales Director, Western USA and Key Accounts.
Gorin will be responsible for driving revenue growth in the Western US, assisting in developing the region’s sales strategy and supporting independent advisors and key accounts.
She has had 25 years’ experience in the travel industry, bringing a diverse background across nearly every segment, including air consolidation, tour operations, and luxury resorts, to the Aurora Expeditions team.
The core of her experience lies in expedition travel, having previously spent six and a half years as a regional sales director with Lindblad Expeditions supporting independent advisors, key accounts and host agencies, working closely with travel advisor partners and their clients to bring expedition experiences to life.
“I am thrilled to join the talented team at Aurora Expeditions and help further elevate the brand’s presence in the Western USA,” Gorin said.
“Having spent years supporting travel advisors and building partnerships across various travel sectors, including expedition travel, I look forward to helping more travelers experience the magic of exploration.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to work with a team dedicated to providing immersive and sustainable travel experiences to the world’s most remote destinations,” she said.
The addition of Gorin completes Aurora Expeditions’ North American sales team. She joins a group of seven professionals to strengthen the company’s presence and impact in the North American market.
With their combined expertise and strategic focus, the team is well-equipped to drive growth and amplify brand recognition across the region, the company claimed.
The North American sales team includes Preston Caddell, Sales Director, Midwestern USA & Key Accounts; Scott Harner, Sales Director, Eastern USA & Key Accounts; Stephanie Roles, Sales Director, Canada; Bonnie Newman, Director of National & Wholesale Accounts; Carmen Wakileh, Business Development Sales Support; and Kris Endreson, Vice President of Sales, North America.
“With Samantha’s addition, our North American sales team is now complete, and we’re excited to leverage her extensive experience in the travel industry and her passion for expedition travel,” Endreson said.
“The Western USA continues to be an emerging market for our team and we’re looking forward to growing our footprint in the area with Samantha’s support as we further cement Aurora Expeditions as a leading choice for adventure travel.”
In addition, Aurora Expeditions has brought in Jocelyn Black as Manager, Communications & Content.
Based in Toronto, Black will lead the company’s worldwide public relations, communications, and content strategy, as Aurora Expeditions continues to expand its operations.
She joins Aurora Expeditions following her job at Tourism Ireland, where she served as Senior Publicity and Communications Executive from 2015 to 2025.
Prior to that, she worked on the agency side, supporting local travel and hospitality brands.
As for the fleet, Aurora’s two purpose-built small ships, ’Greg Mortimer’ and ’Sylvia Earle’, were designed to operate worldwide.
The company’s third ship, ’Douglas Mawson, will start operations in December 2025.
