Business as Usual for CRUISECO After Helloworld Acquisition

Helloworld Travel Limited yesterday announced the purchased shareholding of Cruiseco, from the existing shareholders including Phil Hoffmann, Kevin Dale and APH.

“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,” said Cinzia Burnes Helloworld executive director. “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.”

With a 20-year history in Australia, Helloworld has assured the industry that it will be ‘business as usual’ at Cruiseco, with management and the majority of the Cruiseco staff remaining the same.

Cruiseco 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.”

Nic Cola, Cruiseco CEO said “The Cruiseco management have 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.”

(Source; Travel Monitor news 24 November 2020)