Expedition Travel Trio Announces Partnership with The Nature Conservancy

Quark Expeditions®, International Expeditions and Zegrahm Expeditions Form Joint Partnership with Global Conservation Organisation

Leading expedition travel companies—International Expeditions, Quark Expeditions® and Zegrahm Expeditions are pleased to announce a three-year joint collaboration with The Nature Conservancy. Building on the continuous dedication of each expedition travel company's current efforts to protect the planet, this partnership presents an ideal alignment with the Conservancy's mission to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends.

The Conservancy has grown to become the world's largest and most respected international conservation organisation. Each expedition company is perfectly positioned to help the Conservancy raise awareness about preserving and restoring the natural world. Together, the organisations will be introducing more people to the wonders and value of nature by highlighting the Conservancy's efforts in trip programming and marketing, and, when possible, the Conservancy's scientists and staff will join relevant expeditions to continue the education in the field.

“We are very excited about this ecotourism partnership as we are working to protect nature at an unprecedented scale by focusing on the most pressing challenges facing people and nature and we can't do it alone,” said Geof Rochester, Managing Director, The Nature Conservancy. “Together, we hope to inspire global action from worldwide travellers.”

A portion of each expedition guest's trip cost* will be contributed to The Nature Conservancy over the next three years to help fund the Conservancy's mission to conserve lands and waters on which all life depends. Participating expedition guests will also be eligible for a complimentary one-year membership with The Nature Conservancy. The affiliation will allow travellers to learn more about the Conservancy's work in over 35 countries and encourage guests to take action to help protect nature.

“We are so proud to be commencing this joint partnership with a world-renowned conservation organisation,” states Van Perry, President of International Expeditions and Zegrahm Expeditions. “Each of our individual commitments to conservation has shown that in collaboration, we can be the collective voice to help The Nature Conservancy reach its goals and protect the world we are all passionate about exploring,” adds Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions®.

A celebration to announce the partnership was held on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., and was attended by local press; the Conservancy's Geof Rochester; and representatives from International Expeditions, Quark Expeditions® and Zegrahm Expeditions, including Portfolio Managing Director of TUI's Adventure Travel Division, Hans Lagerweij. The event marked the official launch of the partnership.

To learn more about this partnership, visitwww.QuarkExpeditions.com/nature-conservancy

Learn more about the Conservancy, visit www.nature.org.

* Between February 4, 2016 and December 31, 2018, International Expeditions, Quark Expeditions®, and Zegrahm Expeditions will contribute 0.5% of the retail price of a direct sale within the United States of a tour, holiday package or expedition with these companies, with a minimum guaranteed contribution of $244,650 by each company to The Nature Conservancy. The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the land and waters on which all life depends.

For more information visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call 0808 120 2333

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Notes to Editor: About Quark Expeditions®

Specialisng in expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctic and sub-polar regions,Quark Expeditions® has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel for 25 years. With a diverse fleet of specially-equipped small expedition vessels, icebreakers, and unique land-based adventures, it offers travellers unparalleled access to the most remote places on earth. Led by passionate and seasoned expedition teams, including scientists, naturalists and researchers, the onboard program focuses on guest interaction to educate and enrich the passenger experience. The company is known for its unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability, and was the first to offer passengers — free of charge — carbon-neutral voyages in Antarctica aboard the Ocean Diamond.

About International Expeditions:

Celebrating 36 years of nature travel, International Expeditions specialises in small-group journeys to Earth's most exhilarating destinations. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel IE is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits.

About Zegrahm Expeditions:

With over 25 years in expedition travel, Seattle-based Zegrahm Expeditions Inc. is a leading adventure travel company specialising in small-ship expedition cruises, tours, and safaris to remote and intriguing destinations around the world. Led by expert guides and lecturers, Zegrahm itineraries are carefully crafted and all-inclusive, feature deluxe accommodations, and operate in all seven continents.

About The Nature Conservancy:

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organisation working around the world to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends. Together with its more than 1 million members and 600 scientists, the Conservancy has protected 120 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide, and operates more than 100 marine conservation projects globally. The Conservancy works on the ground in all 50 U.S. states and more than 35 countries. To learn more, visitwww.nature.org

For all press enquiries please contact:

Lynsey Devon, Heaven Publicity

Phone: +44 (0)20 3544 1563

Mobile: +44 (0)7717 078862

lynsey@heavenpublicity.co.uk