Lindblad Expeditions Announces “Expedition 360”, The Most Comprehensive, Full-service Trade Program In Company’s 50-Year History
Lindblad Expeditions today reaffirms its commitment to travel advisors with the announcement of the company’s most comprehensive, full-service trade initiative in its 50-year history.
Encompassing four key pillars of Training, Service, Technology and Appreciation, “Expedition 360” will significantly enhance the brand’s ability to serve its travel advisor partners. Building on its award-winning Expedition 360° training platform, the new program provides a full complement of resources travel partners need to grow their business and tap into the break-out travel trend of the decade, expedition cruising.
“Expedition cruising has never been as popular and in-demand as it is today. Travel advisors are our most influential partners and our brand ambassadors to guests that are looking for active exploration and wonder in secluded places far beyond the major cruise ship docks,” said John Delaney, senior vice president of sales and revenue management at Lindblad Expeditions.
“With Expedition 360, we are building a platform that will help enable and empower our dedicated travel advisors, extending the knowledge and know-how to help them earn the confidence of their customers and sell the premier, inclusive expedition experience.”
Over the next several months, Lindblad Expeditions will continue to debut new features to the program, including a new webinar series, the brand’s first cross-country road show, and new travel advisor awards and incentives. Each new or expanded feature falls under one of the four pillars, including:
· Training: Building on the existing award-winning Expedition 360° training, the program will become a further knowledge hub for travel advisors with the addition of new modules; a cross-country, multi-city roadshow kicking off later this year; and a new monthly webinar series featuring expedition speakers and special benefits.
· Service: With a growing Sales team of talented experts, including the recent hiring of cruise industry veterans Christine Stevens Robinson and Rachel Woodward, dedicated to delivering on the promise of exemplary service, upcoming additions to the new Expedition 360SM program will include the launch of a dedicated reservations line for travel advisors; a self-service, 24/7 online support portal; and more.
· Technology: Later this year, Lindblad Expeditions will move to the industry-leading Seaware platform, allowing travel advisors the ability to seamlessly book the expedition experience, including pre- and post-sailing programs, and more with the benefit of 24/7 reservation management. The company will also be launching a series of customizable guides through an interactive website, which will make it easier than ever for advisors to share and sell an expedition with Lindblad.
· Appreciation: Lindblad Expeditions recognizes the incredibly important work travel advisors do to contribute to the success of the company, which is why it will be launching a new travel advisor appreciation program; implementing new travel advisor travel rates; hosting special, exclusive events on board its fleet; and more, to show its appreciation for the community.
Lindblad Expeditions pioneered modern expedition cruising 50 years ago, bringing the first citizen explorers to the Galápagos and then Antarctica. With a dedicated team of field staff that have extensive knowledge in geology, wildlife biology and history traveling alongside guests on small ships that can navigate to isolated shorelines, an expedition voyage with Lindblad means guests get to feed their curiosity about the world and actively explore every day of their voyage.
Each ship is outfitted with complimentary exploration tools for up-close discovery like Zodiacs, kayaks and paddleboards for a range of included activities designed to immerse guests in their destination. Onboard, guests can expect premium amenities and service, beautifully appointed cabins, suites and common areas and meals that feature local cuisines and sustainable ingredients responsibly sourced directly from nearby lands and waters.
The company’s commitment to responsible travel is evidenced through its 100% carbon neutral trips, the elimination of single-use plastics onboard and a commitment to support the communities where the company operates through artisan programs that reflect the heritage and culture of the destination.
To learn more about the Expedition 360SM travel advisor support program, visit www.360.expeditions.com.
