Manchester based Cruise Club UK is joining Flight Centre Travel Group’s growing stable of travel brands.
Flight Centre Travel Group’s latest foray into the cruise market will see Cruise Club UK acquired for an undisclosed amount.
FCTG says it will adopt a similar model it used to grow Ignite Travel’s MyCruises brand in Australia for Cruise Club UK.
“We aim to replicate the Australian success in the UK, one of the world’s top cruise markets,” said Flight Centre’s Leisure CEO, James Kavanagh.
“The UK cruise market is estimated to be double the size of Australia’s, presenting significant growth opportunities.”
Cruise Club UK generated about $40 million in revenue in the last financial year.
“Our strategy is to broaden the product offering by incorporating the exclusive packages MyCruises is known for,” Kavanagh said.
According to Flight Centre CEO Graham Turner the acquisition is a ‘small but important step’ in its expansion in the northern hemisphere cruising market.
“This acquisition allows us to launch in the UK quickly and cost-effectively, with access to expertise and systems we lacked locally,” Turner said.
Flight Centre also operates the Cruiseabout brand and the CruiseHQ B2B business in Australia.
“This acquisition strengthens our ability to serve the UK market while mirroring our Australian success,” Kavanagh added.
