Australian Pacific Holdings (APH) has today announced further changes to help better position it for a sustainable, successful future in 2021 and beyond, including announcing the end of its Cruiseco and Inspiring Vacations partnerships.
Key to these changes is confirmation of the cessation of some partnerships – in particular, with two local travel companies, CruiseCo and Inspiring Vacations alongside its investment in new products focused on Australian travel for the local market.
APH confirmed yesterday that CruiseCo had been sold to Helloworld Travel Limited, in a move that APH says ‘recognises the natural synergies and alignment between the two companies’ memberships.
With regard to APH’s stake in Inspiring Vacations (IV), it is believed that it has now been acquired by IV’s founders.
APH say the divested companies were not considered to be core assets and the moves are designed to deliver positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
Based in Melbourne, APH is 100% Australian owned and the holding company behind some of Australia’s best known and trusted travel brands; APT, Captain’s Choice and Travelmarvel, collectively known as the APT Travel Group (ATG).
APH say they are committed to creating a bright future for the group, building resilience in a challenging period by ensuring that each business – both owned and partner – maintains its laser focus on the consumer and is ideally structured and resourced.
What’s the new focus?
APH says that core to its resilience strategy is the expanded portfolio of Australian and New Zealand holidays and product innovations by ATG.
The largest company in the APH stable, luxury touring and cruising specialist APT has introduced new travel styles from Private Air Tours to Luxury Short Breaks and Walking Tours, as well as expanding its offering of small ship cruising beyond the Kimberley to most Australian coastal areas.
Ultra-luxury player Captain’s Choice has built a brand new portfolio of premium local private jet journeys in under three months, and Travelmarvel has bolstered its classic escorted touring range and added new cruise options. Newcomer Travel Glo has brought a new local product range to market for the first time.
APH has also expanded its board membership to ensure it has the expertise to steer its composite businesses into the future, appointing Baldeep Gill and Claire Hatton to the Board.
The board now comprises Simon Jones (Chair), Chris Hall (Group MD), Claire Hatton, Baldeep Gill, Ross Kemp (Group FD), Geoff McGeary OAM, Robert McGeary, Graeme Stubbs, Lou Tandy (nee McGeary), and Peter Wade.
Lou Tandy, Director of APH said, “As an Australian, family-owned business that has been delivering amazing travel experiences to customers in Australia and around the globe for over 90 years, we have seen many changes and weathered many disruptions in the travel landscape,
“My family is committed to ensuring that the companies under the APH umbrella are enduring and sustainable businesses, now and into the future. Scaling back in some areas has allowed us to invest in the core drivers of our business, and to innovate in areas where we see significant opportunity.”
Lou Tandy, Director of APH
While Chris Hall, MD of APH added, “At times like these, the strength of the APH Group and its composite companies shines through. Our people are committed to our customers and APH is committed to our businesses.
“We provide this through solid financial support, strong governance and oversight, and strategic guidance through the wealth of experience of our directors. We believe this is key to our resilience and future-proofing.”
Find out more: www.apttravelgroup.com