Helloworld has today announced the purchase of previously Australian Pacific Holdings Group-owned Cruiseco, a specialist cruise wholesaler founded 20 years ago.
Cruiseco will be integrated into Helloworld’s wholesale division with the group saying most of the leadership team and staff to be retained to ensure “business as usual” for the members.
Cruiseco has a 20-year history in the Australian travel industry with a member base of what they say are the best cruise agents in the industry.
The business was started by the three original shareholders, Steve Lloyd, Phil Hoffmann and Kevin Dale.
Directors Kevin Dale and Phil Hoffmann said “Being part of a Travel Agent buying group would be the best fit for Cruiseco when the Cruise Industry resumes operations,
“The COVID-19 crisis has forced rationalisation of the Travel Industry which in particular has severely impacted cruising.”
Meanwhile, Helloworld Executive Director Cinzia Burnes said:
“There are great opportunities for synergies and improved product offering which we know will provide extra benefit to both our members and our cruise supplier partners”
Cinzia Burnes, Helloworld Executive Director
Nic Cola has been confirmed as interim CEO to head up the wholesale cruise division of Helloworld (which includes Seven Oceans Cruising), with Catherine Allison taking overall commercial responsibility for cruise contracts for the Helloworld Group.
Nic Cola said “the Cruiseco management has undergone a thorough reassessment of our operations and service delivery during the shutdown,
“We recognise that post COVID it will be critical to have a robust and effective distribution network to make the most of business opportunities when Cruising resumes and Helloworld was the perfect fit for that.”
Commenting on the purchase Cinzia Burnes Helloworld Executive Director said “we believe the future of cruising is very bright and we are delighted at the opportunity to integrate Cruiseco into our wholesale cruise operations as the “cruise packaging” specialist.”
“We have always admired the unique propositions of Cruiseco and its creative products. We look forward to working with all Cruiseco members and our cruise line partners to ensure we maximise all future opportunities both in Australia and New Zealand.”
Cinzia Burnes, Helloworld Executive Director