National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has expanded its UK sales team with the appointment of Karen Hollands to the newly-created role of expedition sales and concierge specialist

Hollands, who joined the line last month, has a background in the travel and expedition cruise sectors having spent six years with AE Expeditions, a year with Polar expedition specialist ExplorEarth and four years with Rocky Mountaineer. She is also an IAATO Antarctic Ambassador.

In her new position, Hollands will be the main point of contact for all trade partners, from first point of enquiry through to fulfilling quotations, converting sales and offering a dedicated after sales/concierge service. She will report into Danielle Bates, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ head of UK sales.

Bates said: “I’m delighted to welcome Karen to the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions team and am confident that her first-hand knowledge of the expedition sector and excellent trade relationships will prove invaluable as we look to grow the UK business.

“I’m particularly excited to be taking our service to the next level by offering this brand new concierge-style end-to-end experience.”

Hollands added: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions who are true leaders in the world of expedition travel. I’m also delighted to be working alongside Danielle Bates to grow and strengthen the UK market, sharing the spirit of exploration with an even wider audience.”

It comes amid the expedition line’s new trade incentive, which will see agents who make a new booking from the operator’s fly/cruise Galápagos’ brochure between 1 September and 31 December 2025 secure a spot on a 2026 expedition to the archipelago on National Geographic Endeavour II.