National Geographic and Holiday Group / Travelpro sign licensing agreement to develop new lines of luggage

MONTREAL, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - National Geographic, one of the world's largest scientific and educational organizations, has selected Montreal-based Holiday Group Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary Travelpro International Inc. in the United States as its primary luggage and travel accessories licensee under its National Geographic and National Geographic Explorer brands for North America.

Under this multiyear agreement, National Geographic and Holiday/Travelpro will team to launch a comprehensive line of travel gear in U.S. and Canadian retail stores in fall 2012.

"For more than a century, NG explorers and photographers have traveled the world to capture stunning images and collect compelling stories," said Krista Newberry, National Geographic's senior vice president of licensing, North America. "As a leading pioneer and innovator in the travel category, Holiday Group has the particular experience and ability to create products inspired by National Geographic's adventurous spirit."

"The Holiday Group is thrilled to partner with the National Geographic Society," said Raymond Durocher, president of the Holiday Group. "Drawing upon our expertise in luggage design and production, we are proud to offer exceptional travel gear that reflects the Society's rich heritage of exploration as well as its standard for superior functionality and design."

National Geographic's net proceeds from the sale of these products support vital exploration, conservation, research and education programs.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society's mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; trips; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

HOLIDAY GROUP / TRAVELPRO

About Holiday Group Inc. (Canada)
Ever since it began in 1951, the company has been driven by innovation. Its mission is simple and authentic: to simplify people's lives by offering products that organize and protect their personal belongings and, in turn, their interests and passions. Holiday Group and Travelpro are committed to making life easier, whether it be for a business trip, a family vacation, or simply to get to school or the gym. A true industry pioneer, Holiday Group celebrated 60 years of operation in 2011. Holiday Group (Canada) is the proud distributor of an important brand portfolio that includes Travelpro, Atlantic, Swiss Gear, Roots, Ecko, Foxy Jeans, David Jones, Nextech, Nygard, Wenger, Austin House, H Due O and Knirps. Travelpro International (United States of America) distributes the Travelpro, Atlantic, Austin House and Ecko brands. For more information, visit holiday.ca and travelpro.com.

About Travelpro International Inc. (U.S.A.)
For twenty-five years, Travelpro International has prided itself on design innovation and durability in crafting the highest quality luggage for travelers worldwide. Since transforming the ease of modern day travel with The Original Rollaboard® wheeled luggage, Travelpro® has been the brand of choice for flight crews and frequent travelers worldwide. Travelpro is dedicated to building a lifelong relationship with its customers by consistently understanding and exceeding their needs. The company offers a variety of innovative, high-quality luggage collections and computer briefs; each aimed at a specific user lifestyle and rigorously tested. Travelpro was the winner of the 2009 and 2010 Leading Edge Award from Executive Travel Magazine for "The Best Carry-on Case."  Travelpro is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the invention of the Rollaboard® throughout 2012.

CONTACTS:
National Geographic
Elizabeth Nickless

Holiday Group (Canada)
Elisa Wong

Travelpro International (U.S.)
Scott Applebee

MEDIA RELATIONS:
BICOM Communications
Mai Nguyen, Account Manager
514 223-6770 // [email protected]