National Geographic launches boutique hotel concept

The National Geographic Society has announced it will launch National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a collection of boutique hotels in ‘extraordinary’ places around the world.

Selected through a rigorous evaluation process, the lodges aim to offer an “outstanding” guest experience while supporting the protection of cultural and natural heritage and embracing sustainable tourism practices.

The initial collection – numbering 24 properties on six continents – includes properties in High Atlas Mountains, Morocco, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica and Machu Picchu, Peru.

Lynn Cutter, National Geographic’s executive vice president for travel and licensing, said: “The National Geographic brand is universally recognized for its commitment to exploring and protecting the planet, so we are uniquely positioned to unite and promote these exceptional properties and to set a new standard for tourism.”

“These lodges share the society’s vision of preserving the planet for future generations and they demonstrate that sustainability and a world-class guest experience can go hand-in-hand.”

The collection builds National Geographic’s travel portfolio, which includes National Geographic Expeditions, Traveler magazine, travel books, photography courses and the NatGeoTravel photography community.