Austria
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New Day Tours offer the spirit of exploration that National Geographic is known for, focused on enriching day experiences designed to fulfil travellers’ curiosity
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Announcing 48 unique, authentic and educational tours available in 7 countries, with more itineraries to be added throughout the year and beyond
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Initial day tours will be offered to cruise passengers as shore-side tours in 2023, with a wider distribution rollout planned in the future
Hanover,
15 September 2022
TUI and National Geographic Expeditions launch National Geographic Day Tours
National Geographic Expeditions has selected TUI to collaborate in the field of tours and activities with the debut of National Geographic Day Tours, a collection of one-day and half-day itineraries inspired by National Geographic’s spirit of exploration. National Geographic Day Tours will launch during summer 2023 initially to Mediterranean destinations, with an expanded global rollout in the future.
National Geographic Day Tours, operated by TUI, are designed to deliver upon the captivating storytelling and experiences inspired by National Geographic’s incredible legacy of exploration and understanding of the world. All tours will focus on topics such as conservation, culture and history and follow the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
“Inspiring new experiences await our travellers, thanks to this exciting collaboration with TUI,” said Nancy Schumacher, senior vice president, National Geographic Expeditions. “National Geographic Day Tours is just one more way we are expanding our National Geographic storytelling and travel opportunities around the globe, and we look forward to the new tours that our travellers will experience soon.”
“Two strong brands work together to offer unique experiences. We are proud to collaborate with National Geographic Expeditions,” says Peter Ulwahn, CEO TUI Musement, the tours & activities division of TUI Group. “The trend is clear: Holidaymakers are looking for authentic experiences with a strong and educational story to tell – and these National Geographic Day Tours deliver and surpass those expectations. They are a great support for TUI’s growth strategy.”
The lineup of 48 National Geographic Day Tours will include enriching experiences, such as:
Tarquinia and Vulci, Italy: “The Heritage of the Etruscans”
With a focus on knowledge and history, this tour offers an in-depth exploration into the Etruscan civilization with a visit to the Etruscan Necropolis of Tarquinia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Archeological Park of Vulci. Travellers learn about the important research and new data brought to life by National Geographic Explorers who have studied these famed archeological sites, and they also discuss the Etruscan influence on modern Italian society.
Barcelona, Spain: “The Secrets of Restoration”
This tour highlights the importance of art conservation, as travellers meet an expert restorer at the National Museum of Art of Catalonia (MNAC) who will lead them on a private tour of the restoration rooms of the museum — an experience exclusive to National Geographic. This is followed by a visit to the Romanesque collection, the biggest and oldest collection in Europe.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: “The Benefits and Flavors of Oyster Farming”
This theme of this tour is sustainability, as travellers discover the benefits of oyster farming and learn how it helps regenerate the marine ecosystem. During this experience, travellers will get a hands-on experience roaming the waters of the bay while listening to the stories of local oyster and shellfish farmers. They will also get a “taste” of the farm fresh cuisine, as they try oysters straight from the sea.
Initially, National Geographic Day Tours will be offered through TUI’s subsidiary Intercruises to cruise lines and their guests. An additional rollout of booking options through airlines, hotels, TUI and National Geographic Expeditions is planned for the future. These new tours will widen the choice of offerings through TUI Musement and its partners’ platforms. TUI has been leading the tourism industry in sustainability for decades and will continue its commitment with an ambitious Sustainability Agenda which will be introduced in November 2022.
About National Geographic Expeditions
For more than 135 years, National Geographic Explorers have ventured across continents and into remote cultures, down to the oceans’ depths and up the highest mountains to further their understanding of the world. National Geographic Expeditions builds upon this legacy, inviting travelers to embrace their inner explorer and encounter the wonders of the world firsthand — up close and in depth — and be inspired by the experience. With many ways to explore the world via Signature Land, Expedition Cruise, River Cruise, or Private Jet, National Geographic Expeditions gives travelers unparalleled access to the world through the eyes of knowledgeable Experts. Additionally, traveling with National Geographic Expeditions helps further the work of the global community of National Geographic Explorers around the world. Every trip booked helps support the global nonprofit National Geographic Society in its work to protect and illuminate our world through exploration, research, and education. For information on National Geographic Expeditions, please visit National Geographic Expeditions or follow along at @natgeoexpeditions.
About TUI Group
The TUI Group is one of the world's leading tourism groups and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed in the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. TUI Group offers its 19 million customers integrated services from a single source and forms the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 17 cruise ships, ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships in the HANSEATIC class to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships operated by Marella Cruises in the UK. The Group also includes Europe's leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in vacation destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.
Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports the development of vacation destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.
Stephen Denton
Head of External Communications
TUI Musement
TUI Musement
