NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
National Geographic
Endurance at Tower Bridge PICTURE: Alex Maguire
‘Trade is our target’ N
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions hosts 25 agents on Thames sailing. Ella Sagar reports AGENTS’ VIEWS
ational Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is aiming to become the “number-one expedition brand” in the UK through an
increased focus on the trade. The two brands have worked in partnership
for more than 20 years but launched to the UK market only last year after appointing Fred Holidays as general sales agent. Speaking during a one-night sailing on
138-passenger National Geographic Endurance on the Thames in London last week, Lindblad Expeditions chief executive Natalya Leahy said: “Expansion in the UK market is one of my big strategic priorities and a significant growth opportunity for us. “I believe that given the brand recognition
of National Geographic, and Lindblad Expeditions’ expertise in the expedition market, it can become the number-one expedition brand in the UK.” Leahy, a former Seabourn president who
joined Lindblad Expeditions in January, said she believed the expedition operator would make “significant progress within the next 12 months” by introducing the brand to more UK agents. She pledged to set up a UK travel agent
advisory board and dedicated call centre, plus introduce more market-specific incentives,
8 8 MAY 2025
webinars, training sessions with its expedition team, and fam trips to boost the trade’s knowledge and understanding of the brand. “We are incredibly committed to this market
and travel partners,” said Leahy. “We are here to help support, educate, listen to feedback and make sure it’s creating growth for both of us.” The biggest challenge facing the brand, she
added, was not the number of competitors but communicating its points of difference. Leahy stressed National Geographic-
Lindblad Expeditions had the largest and “most expansive” product range of any expedition line, offering everything from rivers to polar and warm-water expeditions, with more than 100 itineraries across more than 70 countries. Other “strategic focus areas” she highlighted include improving the line’s group and charter programmes and tapping into growing demand from solo, multigenerational and young professional travellers. Leahy added the operator was “well-
positioned” to capitalise on these trends with dedicated solo cabins, improved onboard Wi-Fi connection and its Explorers In Training programme for younger travellers. She said the 21-ship fleet would grow in
future and the company was “open to both” new-build and charter options.
James Cole, Panache Cruises “I am hugely impressed with National Geographic Endurance. It’s an amazing expedition ship, perfectly equipped to take
guests on life-changing adventures in absolute luxury. It’s one of my favourite ships out of more than 100 that I’ve visited.”
Dave Mills,
Iglu.com “This is a serious contender in the world of experiential and explorative travel – they really mean business. The two main pillars of
exploration immersion and quality of the hotel operation make Endurance and the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions brand a jewel on any bucket list. Plus, any ship with an igloo on deck gets my vote straight away!”
Edwina Lonsdale, Mundy Cruising “National Geographic Endurance exceeded the expectations of everyone on board. There was great attention to
detail throughout the ship, with beautiful artwork and plenty of quirky touches such as miniature Zodiac soap dishes. I loved the light and airy spaces, pale wood and very comfortable accommodation. The igloos for sleeping ‘outside’ overnight are really something.”
travelweekly.co.uk
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