29 August 2011

SeaLink Travel Group has purchased iconic Sydney-based tourism business Captain Cook Cruises in a move which will take the South Australian-based tourism and transport group's annual turnover past the $100m mark.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, includes 15 vessels used to service Captain Cook Cruises’ flagship operations in Sydney Harbour and the accommodated paddlewheeler, Murray Princess, which operates along the River Murray.

The acquisition will add about $30 million to SeaLink’s total annual revenue, taking it to about $110 million per annum.

Captain Cook Cruises Sydney and River Murray operations employ up to 300 people. All are expected to be retained under the new ownership.

The deal makes SeaLink one of the largest employers in the tourism industry with more than 650 staff employed across Australia and New Zealand.

SeaLink MD, Jeff Ellison says it will be “business as usual” for travel agents with bookings for Captain Cook Cruises made through their usual channels. 

Jeff says the acquisition of Captain Cook Cruises is perfectly aligned to SeaLink’s national growth strategy and its strategy of “connecting Australasian icons and landscapes to the world."

“This will be an ideal strategic fit to the SeaLink Travel Group’s growing tourism operations,” Jeff says. 

“It will bring us access to the Australian gateway of Sydney, where we see significant cross-sell opportunities with our combined brands and customers.

“Captain Cook Cruises has been in operation for more than 40 years under Captain Trevor Haworth, who is a tourism industry icon in Sydney.

“It is a market leader on both the Sydney Harbour with its range of small ship cruisers and on the River Murray with the popular Murray Princess. It also enjoys excellent relationships with the tourism industry, Government and tourism authorities.”

Jeff says SeaLink has equally strong relationships across Australia and overseas that supported its broad range of tour, ferry, retail travel and holiday operations. 

“Sydney Harbour is a Mecca for international and national tourists and SeaLink is now in a prime position to tap into this demand and grow market share," he says. 

“This acquisition will herald the most exciting growth period in SeaLink’s 22 year history and help sets the future course for our company.

“We are particularly pleased that the Haworth family will continue to be heavily involved in the business going forward.”

As a result of the sale, Anthony Haworth has been appointed GM of Captain Cook Cruises, while Captain Haworth’s daughter Jackie Charlton Haworth will remain as its Director of Sales.