National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions continue to invest in the Kiwi market, says Lindblad Expeditions ceo Natalya Leahy.
The adventure and expedition travel market is one of the fastest growing industry segments she notes, and New Zealand has been growing in the sector by 8-12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) pulling it ahead of both New Zealand’s global expedition and the overall leisure travel markets, which aver ages around 6% CAGR.
“In many ways, adventure is part of the culture in New Zealand,” she says. Australasia is one of Lindblad Expeditions’ ‘most important’ strategic growth markets, says Leahy. “We believe travellers from New Zealand will deeply appreciate the immersive, enriching, authentic and unpretentious style of adventure we create.”
Antarctica remains the number one destination for Kiwi expedition travellers, she adds. “We also introduced our Antarctica Fly program, which has been very attractive for travellers with more limited vacation time, allowing guests to bypass the Drake Passage while still experiencing [Antarctica].”
. . . Agents
Leahy says with Adventure World Lindblad is partnering with Kiwi agents to offer support with webinars, call centre support, marketing materials and more. The brands will also continue to invest in marketing to build brand awareness.
Agents are integral for Lindblad to carry out its vision in the market, adds Leahy. “Our vision is to continue delivering exceptional, highly differentiated experiences in the most special places in the world. Travel advisors are essential to bringing that to life. These are complex, deeply personal journeys, and advisors play such an important role in helping travellers understand what makes them so special and in guiding them to the right experience. We see them as true partners in everything we do.”
. . . Sailing ANZ?
Leahy says Lindblad is actively evaluating a return to Australia and New Zealand.
