The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) recently announced the inclusion of UnCruise Adventures and Metropolitan Touring to its esteemed roster of members, enhancing its collective expertise.
This expansion reflects the organisation’s commitment to promoting diverse expedition cruising experiences, catering to a variety of climatic regions and promoting sustainability in tourism.
Enhancing Network Capabilities
The inclusion of UnCruise Adventures and Metropolitan Touring ups the total number of operators within the Expedition Cruise Network to 18, signalling a robust expansion. This move highlights ECN’s aim to diversify and expand its reach within the expedition cruise sector, ensuring members and their clientele benefit from more varied itineraries and rich cultural experiences.
Akvile Marozaite, CEO of ECN, highlighted the strategic importance of these additions: “While polar regions remain the most popular expedition cruising destinations, UnCruise Adventures and Metropolitan Touring offer exciting alternatives in warmer climes and beyond.” This diversity in offerings is key to ECN’s strategy to appeal to a broader customer base.
Metropolitan Touring: Galapagos Specialists
Metropolitan Touring, renowned for its Galapagos cruises, brings a wealth of experience and commitment to conservation. With its deep-rooted expertise, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the Galapagos archipelago, promoting responsible ecotourism.
“Metropolitan Touring’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship aligns seamlessly with ECN’s mission,” noted Marozaite. This shared vision reinforces the organisation’s goal to nurture and protect the unique destinations it features.
The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer an unparalleled natural beauty and diversity of wildlife, providing an enriching experience for travellers. Through collaboration with Metropolitan Touring, ECN further commits to eco-conscious travel solutions.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
ECN chairman Martin Johnson emphasises how these additions broaden the spectrum of possibilities for their travel trade members, strengthening ECN’s position in the sector. “Expedition cruising is truly diverse, and I’m thrilled to welcome UnCruise Adventures and Metropolitan Touring,” he stated, underlining ECN’s dedication to representing a dynamic cruise community.
The introduction of these two entities marks a strategic leap in ECN’s efforts to be a leader in promoting varied expedition destinations. This expansion not only brings new itineraries but also showcases their commitment to introducing innovative travel experiences, reinforcing ECN’s industry leadership.
Webinar for Industry Insights
To foster deeper engagement, Martin Johnson will lead a webinar on 19 July, featuring sector experts from within ECN, discussing global expedition cruise destinations. The panel will include Aaron Russ, Trixi Lange-Hitzbleck, Frederic Guillemard, and Dan Blanchard.
This webinar aims to provide comprehensive insights into current market trends and innovative strategies driving the expedition cruise industry forward, engaging travel partners and clients alike.
Contributing to a Growing Sector
By integrating new members, ECN is not only expanding but also enriching the expedition cruise sector’s offerings. The Bureau of Economic Analysis highlights the economic contribution of travel and tourism, with the expedition segment seeing a notable rise.
Providing small ship expedition experiences in lesser-known destinations, ECN is poised to leverage growth opportunities by catering to rising consumer preferences for exploratory travel.
Commitment to Sustainability and Stewardship
Both UnCruise and Metropolitan Touring adhere to ECN’s principles of environmental responsibility, enhancing the network’s reputation for sustainable tourism practices.
Ensuring that destinations remain unspoiled while providing unique experiences is at the core of ECN’s and its partners’ operations.
The addition of UnCruise Adventures and Metropolitan Touring to the Expedition Cruise Network underscores ECN’s strategy of expanding sustainable and diverse cruising options.
Such expansions enrich travel experiences while promoting ecological stewardship, aligning with consumer demand for conscientious travel. The network’s growth is a testament to its commitment to a vibrant and eco-friendly cruising future.
