MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Gregoire Lindblad Expeditions (212) 261-9008 [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY, February 5, 2008 – Lindblad Expeditions (www.expeditions.com), the expedition travel pioneer with a strong commitment to conservation, has announced a new Director of Expedition Development, Ralph Hammelbacher, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the expedition travel market.
Ralph Hammelbacher has been involved in international travel since 1975, when he began guiding photographic safaris in East Africa. Over the years, Hammelbacher has worked in executive positions with many of the industry’s top companies including KLR International and International Expeditions and Park East.
Hammelbacher worked for Lindblad Expeditions throughout the 1990s and was instrumental in directing corporate marketing efforts, developing new programs and building the company’s presence on the internet. Said Hammelbacher, “I'm thrilled to be rejoining Lindblad Expeditions. From the outset, "LEX" has been all about providing the richest possible experience for travelers -- something that has been the driving force in my own work. I'm looking forward to helping create extraordinary journeys, and to contribute to the company's continuing success."
“I couldn’t be more pleased that Ralph is rejoining us”, said Sven Lindblad, President and Founder of Lindblad Expeditions. “Ralph’s experience and deep knowledge of the industry, as well as our company, make him a great asset to our team and the perfect person to help us continue to provide the most innovative itineraries for our guests.” Lindblad Expeditions has undergone tremendous growth in recent years and just recently announced the addition of a new ship, the National Geographic Explorer to its fleet.With new programmatic offerings and its strategic partnership with National Geographic, Lindblad Expeditions continues to inspire people to explore and care about the planet.
A native of New York, Ralph received a B.A. in economics from Cornell University and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago. He lives with his wife live in Arlington, Virginia.
About Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions is an expedition travel company providing voyages in the Galápagos, Antarctica, Baja California, Alaska, the Arctic, and beyond. Sven Lindblad has received international recognition, including the 2007 Global Tourism Business Award, 2007 Seafood Champion Award, U.N. Programme Global 500 Award, and recognition from HRH, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg for his dedication to the conservation and environmental stewardship of the Galápagos archipelago. The company has also been named #1 Small-Ship Cruise Line (Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Value Awards 2006); “The Best Ships in the World” and “The Best Itineraries” (Condé Nast Traveler: Truth in Travel Awards 2006).
###