Hays Travel has acquired leading online cruise travel business Victoria Travel Group Limited, including its recognised brands Cruise.co.uk, Seascanner, and the German division Kreuzfahrtberater.de. This is Hays Travel’s first online travel agency acquisition and a significant milestone for the north east headquartered company, which has been caring for its customers since 1980.
The move significantly expands Hays Travel’s footprint in the global cruise market and supports the UK’s largest independent travel agent’s strategic growth ambitions in the fast-growing cruise sector, both in the UK and internationally.
The transaction sees existing majority shareholder Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading quoted private asset growth investors, exit the Victoria Travel Group business following a strong period of growth.
Victoria Travel Group has built a commanding reputation for its digital-first approach, expert cruise content, and customer-centric service. Victoria Travel Group reported a total transaction value of £252 million in its most recent financial year, reflecting its strong market presence and customer loyalty in the UK and Germany.
As part of the acquisition, Chris Gardner, Victoria Travel Group Chief Executive, will continue to lead the business, alongside Carl Tromans, Group Chief Financial Officer, Tony Andrews, UK Managing Director, and Tom Reiter, German Managing Director.
Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of Hays Travel, said: “We have been hugely impressed by the strength of the Victoria Travel Group. Their innovative approach to online cruise retailing and the calibre of their management team make Victoria Travel a compelling addition to our business, which aligns with our cruise strategy and growth ambitions.
“We are delighted to welcome Chris, Carl, Tony and Tom to our Hays Travel group; they share our values and are all exceptional at what they do. We look forward to working alongside them, exploring opportunities and learning from each other as we seek to continuously improve the choice, experience and value we offer our customers.”
Chris Gardner, Victoria Travel Group Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be joining the Hays Travel family. Their values, customer-first approach, and long-term vision align with ours. This partnership opens up exciting opportunities to grow our brands and deliver even more value to cruise customers in the UK and internationally.”
Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, chief operating officer of Hays Travel, and Jo Rzymowska, a respected cruise industry leader and non-executive director of Hays Travel, will contribute their experience and strategic insight to the Victoria Travel Group board.
