National Geographic Expeditions has acquired Global
Adrenaline, a tour operator that specializes in custom group and FIT trips with
a focus on creating responsible, educational and culturally compelling
itineraries.
Global Adrenaline has been operating a number of National
Geographic Expeditions' land itineraries over the past 13 years, but the
acquisition gives National Geographic Expeditions the opportunity to significantly
expand its land offerings.
It will also give National Geographic Expeditions a platform
for developing its own call center.
"We're excited to welcome [Global Adrenaline] into the
National Geographic family, and to leverage their tour operator platform to
expand our Expeditions offerings," said Declan Moore, CEO of National
Geographic Partners. "This acquisition enables us to become a tour
operator, and to more directly control all aspects of the unique travel
experiences we provide guests."
Evanston, Ill.-based Global Adrenaline was founded in 2001
by Nancy Schumacher, who had served as president and CEO of the company prior
to the acquisition. Global Adrenaline will now be absorbed into National
Geographic Expeditions, and Schumacher and her entire team will be working at
National Geographic Expeditions. Schumacher's new title is senior vice
president of tour operations for National Geographic Expeditions.
The news comes on the heels of National Geographic Travel
announcing that it has embarked on an expansion plan that includes the launch of National Geographic Expeditions in Europe and
Africa.