Lindblad forms trade advisory board to stimulate UK growth
Lindblad Expeditions, the operator of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand, has formed a UK Travel Advisory Board to further its growth in the UK
Comprised of travel professionals from across the UK, including James Cole, CEO of Panache Cruises and Alex Loizou, sales and marketing director of Mundy Cruising, the board will serve as a strategic sounding platform for Lindblad’s commercial team.
“Our partners in the UK have been instrumental in growing our presence in one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world,” said Kathi Riddle, senior vice president of sales for Lindblad Expeditions.
“By establishing this board, we are deepening our investment in the region and ensuring we’re listening closely to the people who know this market best – our trusted travel advisor community.”
The creation of the UK Travel Advisory Board follows a series of moves by the company to grow international sales and elevate awareness of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand.
There will be four virtual meetings per year as well as one in-person event, the first of which will take place in London on 2 October 2025, and will be hosted by Riddle; Lindblad head of UK sales Danielle Bates; Christine Stevens, vice president of sales for Lindblad; and Tricia Birmingham, director of tour operations for Fred. Holidays.
During the meetings, the board will discuss concepts for new expeditions, marketing strategies and sales support tools, as well as providing feedback on the line’s performance and specific business initiatives. Board members will also receive updates on product changes and other corporate developments.
To enable them to experience the co-brand first-hand and understand the product, each board member, plus a guest, has been provided with an expedition cruise to either the Galapagos, Antarctica or the Arctic.
