National Geographic seeks to sell via UK trade
National Geographic Expeditions is looking to work directly with agents for the first time as it puts its portfolio of travel experiences on sale in the UK.
The iconic brand has already partnered with G Adventures to sell its 75 escorted group ‘Journeys’ but has never before sold its 57 upmarket lodges, private tours and eight expedition cruise ships in the UK market.
These are already sold in the US, but National Geographic Expeditions is now looking for UK agents to dynamically package its products with flights under their own Atols.
National Geographic also offers private jet holidays, which are being actively promoted in the UK market for the first time.
Travel director Nathan Philpot said the company aimed to become “travel agents’ number-one choice” for adventure travel in Europe within five years, but first had to raise awareness of its products.
The global not-for-profit National Geographic Society is already known for its research and conservation projects.
Philpot said: “Despite all our TV reach and our magazines, awareness that we offer experiential travel is low.
“We have seen some really exciting volumes through G Adventures and the success gives us confidence to extend the portfolio for sale in the UK.
“We have never been as proactive as we could have been in the UK and I am happy to have conversations with any agents interested in selling our product.
“We don’t have an Atol, but we want to make it as easy as we can for agents to book.”
The company will pay “competitive” commission on its land products and will launch trade brochures at the end of this year.
It has agreed to sell its cruises to agents via Fred Olsen Travel, already a general sales agent for other lines. Its other products can be booked via its US call centre.
An 11-day Land of the Polar Bears small-ship cruise to Svalbard in Norway starts at £8,030. A National Geographic expert and photographer are on board.
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