Lindblad Expeditions has announced the formation of its first-ever UK Travel Advisory Board, underscoring the company’s commitment to growth in the UK market and its dedication to supporting travel advisors across the region. *Details correct at time of publishing.
Comprised of a select group of respected and forward-thinking travel professionals from across the United Kingdom, including:
James Cole, CEO of Panache Cruises; Claire Brighton, Director of ATAS; James Turner, Commercial Director of Wildfoot Travel; Alex Loizou, Sales and Marketing Director of Mundy Cruising; and Paul Hardwick, Director of Retail for Fred. Olsen Travel.
The UK Travel Advisory Board will serve as a strategic sounding board for Lindblad Expeditions’ commercial team.
Kathi Riddle, Senior Vice President of Sales, Lindblad Expeditions, said:
“Our partners in the UK have been instrumental in growing our presence in one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world.
“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 reflects Lindblad Expeditions’ expanding footprint and growing guest demand across the UK and Europe.
It follows a series of strategic moves by the company to grow international sales and elevate awareness of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand’s unique expedition experience.
The experience combines immersive exploration with a strong commitment to sustainability, education, and conservation. Their expert insights and feedback into the UK market space will be integral to ensuring the co-brand remains top of mind among advisors and holidaymakers alike.
Danielle Bates, Head of UK Sales, Lindblad Expeditions, said:
“Lindblad Expeditions is a ‘founded by family’ business and we want to create this same feeling of family with our agent community in the UK.
“The introduction of the Advisory Board is our first step towards doing this and I’m confident that our founding members will play a crucial role in guiding our growth in the UK and navigating the evolving expedition travel market.”
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 2nd October 2025, and will be hosted by Riddle; Bates; Christine Stevens, Vice President of Sales, Lindblad Expeditions; and Tricia Birmingham, Director of Tour Operations for Fred. Holidays, Lindblad Expeditions’ GSA in the UK.
During these meetings, the Board will discuss concepts for new expeditions, marketing strategies and sales support tools, as well as providing feedback on the company’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 guest has been provided with an expedition cruise to either the Galapagos, Antarctica or the Arctic.
To learn more about Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand, visit www.expeditions.co.uk, call 0800 021 3189, or email sales@expeditions.co.uk.
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