dnata enhances travel services with acquisition of majority stake in Imagine Cruising

dnata enhances travel services with acquisition of majority stake in Imagine Cruising

officials of the cruiser line recently

Dubai, UAE, and London, UK – dnata announced today it has signed an agreement to purchase a majority stake in Imagine Cruising.

Imagine Cruising is one of the UK’s leading cruise and stay holiday distributors with expertise in both the tour operating and retailing of cruise, working with all the leading UK and international cruise lines.

"Imagine Cruising is a key distributor of cruise products around the world. The addition of the company to the dnata portfolio adds expertise in the growing cruise sector, strengthening our position as an international leader in travel services,” said Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President of dnata’s travel business.

“The partnership between Imagine Cruising and dnata will support the development of both businesses,” said Robin Deller, Managing Director, Imagine Cruising. “dnata’s recent international growth highlights its commitment to the travel industry around the world. Each business and its customers will benefit from enhanced products and services, and the expertise each organization brings.”

Based in Swindon, UK, with offices also in Cape Town, South Africa, Imagine Cruising provides passengers with a range of cruise options around the world. Globally, the cruise sector is one of the fastest growing within the travel industry. This year, more than 23 million travellers worldwide will choose cruising.

“Imagine Cruising brings a deep understanding of a key travel market, one which will enhance the product offering of each company within the dnata family,” added Iain. “Imagine will lead the strategic development of cruise across dnata travel brands offering customers of Travel Republic, Gold Medal Travel Group and Stella Travel Services an enhanced choice of unique cruise holidays.”

Completion of the acquisition remains subject to merger control clearance in South Africa. dnata and Imagine Cruising will continue to operate independently pending completion.

-ENDS-

About dnata

dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company offers ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services across five continents.

dnata's Travel Business is the largest provider of travel services and products in the Middle East, and operates more than 200 retail outlets worldwide. Each year our travel advisors handle more than 3.5 million bookings, 7 million bed nights, and 7 million passengers. Its suite of products and services includes business travel management; worldwide tour operations; hotel sales and marketing representation; group and incentive arrangements; sports and active holiday programmes; offshore and marine services; government and corporate travel and leisure travel.

Internationally, dnata’s travel business owns and operates Gold Medal Travel Group, Stella Travel Services, Travel Republic, has investments with Hogg Robinson Group, Mindpearl Group, and brought personalised travel to the Middle East through a joint venture with Travel Counsellors.

About Imagine Cruising

Imagine Cruising is one of the leading providers of bespoke and tailor made cruise holidays in the UK and South Africa through their innovative ‘Masterpiece’ holidays. Imagine work with leading cruise lines, airlines, hotels, luxury trains and ground handlers to create exclusive luxury holidays to worldwide destinations.  Imagine was established in the UK in 2011 with their head office in Swindon and established an office in Cape Town in 2012.