Ensemble, Lindblad Expeditions form alliance
Ensemble Travel Group and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have launched a new partnership that will increase the profitability for both Ensemble members and the small ship expedition company in 2014 and beyond.
While Lindblad’s dominance in the expedition and adventure segment will deliver new revenue opportunities to Ensemble members, the co-operative’s strong North American membership base broadens the supplier’s distribution channel, especially into the Canadian market.
“Looking at members’ book of business in 2014 and early 2015, we know this supplier serves a real need as many consumers continue to look beyond the traditional travel experience for their next vacation,” said Libbie Rice, co-president, Ensemble Travel Group. “This partnership strengthens our cruise portfolio while helping those members who have yet to sell the expedition experience tap into this profitable market segment.”
“We have seen keen interest in our expeditions from Ensemble members over the past year, so we are delighted to expand our portfolio to include the Ensemble Travel Group. We look forward to building a strong partnership both here in the United States and Canada,” said Jacinta McEvoy, vice-president of worldwide sales, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic.
As part of the new relationship, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic will be among the featured suppliers in this spring’s Ensemble Small Ships & River Cruise brochure, as well as in several business-to-consumer online marketing initiatives and on the Ensemble Extranet.
