Expedition cruise specialist Lindblad Expeditions has established its first ever UK Travel Advisory Board, underscoring its commitment to growth in the UK market.
Lindblad is the operator of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand.
Comprised of a select group of travel professionals from across the UK, 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.
“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, 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 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, which 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.
“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,” said Danielle Bates, Head of UK Sales, Lindblad Expeditions. “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.
