LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DEBUT NEW CO-BRAND, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC-LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS

Rhea-AI Summary

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have unveiled a new co-branded identity: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. This rebranding marks a significant milestone in their 20-year collaboration and follows a 17-year agreement extension announced in November 2023. The new co-brand aims to leverage National Geographic's name recognition while maintaining Lindblad Expeditions' heritage in modern expedition cruising.

Key points:

• New website launched at www.expeditions.com
• Full implementation across marketing channels by year-end
• Major omnichannel marketing campaign planned for early 2025
• Fleet rebranding to begin in 2025
• $22 million invested in conservation, education, and science initiatives

The partnership focuses on fostering discovery and community through science, nature, and purpose-driven travel, offering 100+ itineraries across 70+ countries and territories on all seven continents.

Positive

• 17-year agreement extension with National Geographic and The Walt Disney Company until 2040
• Launch of new co-branded identity expected to drive consumer intent and conversion
• Planned major omnichannel marketing campaign in early 2025, leveraging The Walt Disney Company's reach
• Extensive fleet of 20 owned, leased, and chartered vessels
• $22 million invested in conservation, education, and science initiatives globally

Negative

• None.

Insights

Marketing Strategist

The rebranding of Lindblad Expeditions to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions represents a significant strategic shift in the company's marketing approach. By leading with the National Geographic name, they're leveraging a globally recognized brand to potentially increase consumer awareness and attraction, especially in new markets.

This move could have several implications:

• Improved search engine visibility and efficiency, likely leading to higher web traffic and potentially increased bookings.
• Enhanced brand perception, associating Lindblad more closely with National Geographic's reputation for exploration and scientific discovery.
• Possible expansion of target demographics, attracting National Geographic enthusiasts who may not have been familiar with Lindblad previously.

The planned omnichannel marketing campaign in 2025, backed by Disney's reach, could significantly boost brand exposure. However, the impact on immediate financial performance may be , as the full implementation will take time. Investors should monitor for increased marketing expenses in the short term, with potential revenue growth in the medium to long term as the new brand gains traction.

Travel Industry Analyst

This rebranding initiative signals Lindblad's commitment to long-term growth and market expansion. The 17-year agreement with National Geographic and Disney provides stability and opens up new opportunities:

• Access to Disney's marketing power could significantly enhance Lindblad's reach and appeal to a broader audience.
• The partnership may lead to new product offerings or itineraries that blend Lindblad's expedition expertise with National Geographic's content and Disney's storytelling capabilities.
• Potential for cross-promotion with Disney's travel segments, possibly leading to increased bookings and revenue streams.

The expedition cruise market has been growing and this move positions Lindblad to capitalize on the increasing demand for experiential and educational travel. However, investors should be aware that the cruise industry faces challenges such as environmental concerns and geopolitical uncertainties. The success of this rebranding will depend on how effectively Lindblad can leverage the partnership to differentiate itself in a competitive market and attract high-value customers seeking unique travel experiences.

New National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Brand Identity, Including New Logos and Website, to Begin Rollout Worldwide

NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 20 years, the collaboration between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic has been synonymous with small-ship modern expedition cruising. Today, the two companies are taking their industry-defining relationship to the next level with the debut of a new name and refreshed co-branded identity, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

The launch of the new co-brand represents a significant milestone in the long-term extension and expansion of the strategic relationship between Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic, and The Walt Disney Company. The move was made possible under the new 17-year agreement between the three innovative brands announced in November 2023, which granted Lindblad Expeditions global rights to the National Geographic brand for expedition cruises until at least 2040.

"With the launch of our new National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-branded identity, we made the strategic decision to lead with the power and name recognition of National Geographic, bolstered by Lindblad Expeditions' rich heritage as the pioneers of modern expedition cruising," said Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder and CEO, Lindblad Expeditions. "Together with National Geographic and The Walt Disney Company, we will be demonstrating the power of this new co-brand and improved name recognition, which will be vitally important as we expand our footprint in key growth markets around the world. We strongly believe that this updated co-brand will drive consumer intent, search efficiency and conversion, bringing more discerning travelers on board our growing fleet."

"National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions embarked on an exciting future together more than 20 years ago, and I am proud to see that relationship and shared vision continue to expand through the launch of this co-brand," said Stephanie Young, President, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures & Expeditions and Disney Institute. "Discovering the world with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions is one of the most educational and insightful ways to travel. The knowledgeable Naturalists and Expedition Leaders on board, state-of-the-art equipment and capability of these ships take guests on a journey unlike any other, educating travelers and inspiring them to conserve the world around them."

"Over the past two decades, National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions have traveled the world together, united by a shared dedication to purposeful exploration," added Jill Tiefenthaler, chief executive officer, National Geographic Society. "With the refreshed National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-branded identity, we're embarking on the next phase of our long-standing partnership, looking ahead to many more years of deep discovery and meaningful conservation work that will continue to educate, embolden and inspire future generations of global changemakers."

The new National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-branded identity and logo will be fully implemented across all owned-marketing channels by the end of the year, starting today with the launch of the redesigned consumer website, www.expeditions.com. In early 2025, the co-brand will debut a sweeping omnichannel consumer and trade marketing campaign—the largest in Lindblad Expeditions' history—powered in part by the reach of The Walt Disney Company. The implementation of new branding across Lindblad Expeditions' growing fleet of 20 owned, leased and chartered vessels will begin in 2025.

With its pioneering history in modern expedition cruising, Lindblad Expeditions has expertly led curious and discerning travelers on journeys of deep discovery to the farthest reaches of the planet for more than half a century. For the past two decades, Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have collaborated through a shared mission: To foster a spirit of discovery and community by blending science, nature and purpose-driven travel.

Together, the brands and their guests have embarked on thousands of expeditions designed for discovery to highlight the wonder of the world and their collective role in protecting it. These voyages helped to progress important conservation priorities, educational opportunities and environmental scientific research at local, regional, and global levels with initiatives like the Visiting Scientist Program. Working with the National Geographic Society, Lindblad Expeditions has hosted hundreds of educators on expeditions around the world through the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, and these educators bring what they learn back to their classrooms, inspiring the next generation of planetary stewards. Additionally, through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund, the two organizations and their guests have invested more than $22 million to support numerous conservation, education and science initiatives around the globe.

To learn more about the strategic relationship between National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, visit http://www.expeditions.com/campaign/national-geographic-lindblad-expeditions. To get a look at the newly announced National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand in action, visit www.expeditions.com, and connect with the co-brand on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

About National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions:
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions reveals the beauty and wonder of the world through expertly led, deeply immersive modern expedition cruises designed for discovery and created for curious travelers seeking to experience the world from a new perspective. With 100+ unique itineraries visiting 70+ countries and territories on all seven continents aboard 20 state-of-the-art owned and chartered vessels, Lindblad Expeditions operates the largest, most diverse fleet of mission-built ships in the industry on behalf of the co-brand.

The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand is the result of a decades-long strategic relationship between renowned exploration and scientific discovery brand National Geographic and the pioneer of modern expedition cruising Lindblad Expeditions.

Media can stay up to date on the latest news from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions by visiting press.expeditions.com. For reservations or additional information on voyages to some of the most beautiful, remote, and fascinating places on Earth, visit www.expeditions.com, call (855) 734-3271 to speak to an Expedition Specialist, or contact a travel advisor. 

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SOURCE Lindblad Expeditions

FAQ

What is the new name of the Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic partnership?

The new co-branded name is National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

When will the new National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions branding be fully implemented?

The new co-branded identity and logo will be fully implemented across all owned-marketing channels by the end of 2024, with fleet rebranding beginning in 2025.

How many countries does National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions (LIND) operate in?

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions operates in over 70 countries and territories across all seven continents.

What is the size of National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' (LIND) fleet?

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions operates a fleet of 20 state-of-the-art owned, leased, and chartered vessels.