National Geographic’s Travel Arm Expands Ahead of Disney Takeover
Photo Credit: A National Geographic Expeditions group in New Zealand in 2015. The travel and tour operations of National Geographic is moving forward with global expansion plans even as a new owner, Disney, prepares to come in. National Geographic
Skift Take
We're eager to see what happens when two well-known brands join forces next year. Could we see a National Geographic Expeditions–Adventures by Disney mashup?
National Geographic is known for bringing the world to readers, viewers, and travelers — but now the company is trying to reach more of the world.
Its travel and tour division, National Geographic Expeditions, is expanding or forming new partnerships with cruise lines. An acquisition last year put it in position to operate its own tours for the first time since it was formed 19 years ago. The company has opened sales offices around the world and plans to tailor trips for those overseas markets. And new majority ownership by The Walt Disney Company, expected to be official next year, is likely to expand horizons even more.
"The mood around here is excitement; they see the potential of all the great things we can do together," said Nancy Schumacher, who heads National Geographic's travel and tour operations.
Change is nothing new for National Geographic. The storied National Geographic Society, a nonprofit focused on science, exploration, and education, worked out a $725 mil
