Expedition travel firm Lindblad has taken majority stakes in two US-based active travel operators.
The expedition cruises and adventure travel operator has gained shareholdings in DuVine Cycling + Adventure, which sells through the trade, and Off the Beaten Path, which specialises in US national parks.
DuVine Cycling is part of the Virtuoso network and has started working UK independent hospitality consultancy Ru&Co to build a stronger presence among UK agents.
The deals follow Lindblad’s acquisition of global adventure travel operator Natural Habitat in 2016.
Sven Lindblad, president and chief executive of Lindblad Expeditions, said: “Bringing DuVine and Off the Beaten Path into our portfolio of brands will allow us to better serve a broader based clientele that has a diverse set of travel interests.
“The high level of quality and integrity of both these companies makes them perfect partners in our strategy of expanding our platform of experiential offerings.
“Our proven ability to leverage our platform and effectively cross market creates the opportunity to accelerate growth across our entire portfolio, and we will continue to look for additional opportunities to broaden and deepen our adventure travel offerings, both organically and through acquisitions, to aggregate larger audiences and generate greater lifetime value from our loyal guests.”
Natural Habitat founder and president Ben Bressler said: “DuVine offers invigorating experiences in nature for our more active guests, and Off the Beaten Path’s exceptional depth in creating custom US national park adventures will appeal to Nat Hab travellers.
“These two companies provide Lindblad and Nat Hab guests a depth of choice for premium life-enhancing travel experiences within a family of complementary brands – all driven by protecting our planet and inspiring travellers.”
DuVine founder and president Andy Levine added: “Our companies share not only a desire to sustain the world’s most compelling cultures and communities, but also the belief that authentic, deeply rooted experiences make travel more fulfilling.
“DuVine’s journeys offer a new perspective grounded in active travel, local flavour, and an appreciation of nature from the seat of a bicycle.
“I can’t wait to introduce the transformative power of bike travel to a greater audience of adventure seekers.”
Off the Beaten Path president Cory Lawrence said: “With our unique style of travel, strong domestic presence, and small group and bespoke travel design offerings, we are well-positioned to have immediate impact on the newly expanded family of companies.
“Expanding awareness of Off the Beaten Path and its unique offerings by leveraging the reach and expertise of both Lindblad and Natural Habitat is a major opportunity for our company in its 35th year of operation.”