Lindblad CEO Says Expedition Travel Is Redefining Luxury

Speaking at Skift Global Forum 2026, Leahy positioned expedition travel — small-group journeys to remote destinations built around expert-led exploration — at the intersection of several forces reshaping luxury demand. Affluent consumers are increasingly prioritizing experiences over material goods, she said, while constant connectivity is pushing travelers toward trips that offer a genuine break from screens and daily routines.

Leahy argued the category can reach a far larger audience without surrendering the intimacy and expert-led spontaneity that distinguish it. Travelers are placing greater value on expert guidance, personalization, authenticity and emotional connection, qualities she said give Lindblad room to grow while preserving the meaningful experiences that define its brand.

Lindblad helped establish the expedition segment nearly six decades ago. In 1966, Lars-Eric Lindblad led 53 travelers on a pioneering non-scientific journey to Antarctica — an undertaking Leahy described as akin to taking civilians to the moon. What was once a novelty has since become an established part of the luxury travel market.

Even as the category matures, Leahy maintained that expedition travel's purpose runs deeper than simply providing access to remote places.