Tui UK and Ireland plans to invest in Crystal Ski and Thomson Lakes & Mountains to “accelerate growth” and develop new product.
It was announced this morning that both brands will move to sit under the main Tui UK and Ireland business with immediate effect and it was claimed that decision would help “fast track” growth for the two brands.
Tui said both businesses were not to be disposed of along with the rest of the Specialist Holiday Group but would instead move to operate alongside Thomson and First Choice in the mainstream side of the business.
In a statement, Tui UK and Ireland said both brands were an exciting addition to its portfolio that would benefit from “investment to accelerate growth and develop new and unique products”.
It said the integration of Crystal Ski would lead to opportunities to “internationalise the much-loved brand across other Tui markets”.
Tasmin Todd, Ski & Lakes managing director, will continue to lead the team and will report to Andrew Flintham, commercial director at Tui UK & Ireland.
Speaking about the move, Todd said: “Joining the Tui UK and Ireland family marks a new, exciting era for our business.
“We have evolved Crystal, working with Thomson Airways to take more customers from all over the UK and Ireland to a huge range of destinations, and providing exciting holiday experiences for our customers through our expert staff and market-leading mobile technology and service.
“This new chapter will provide a firm platform for innovation and growth, and superb career opportunities for our staff.”
Tui UK and Ireland managing director, Nick Longman, said: “Crystal and Thomson Lakes & Mountains is already a very successful business within Tui’s Specialist Holiday Group and a very welcome addition to our brand portfolio in the UK.
“We already have a very good understanding of the business as we take many of their customers away on Thomson Airways and I believe the integration of the brands into a business of our size and scale will not only help to fast track growth but deliver even more exciting ski and lake and mountain holidays to top resorts.”