Specialist Holidays Group acquired by TravCorp Holdings

TravCorp Holdings has acquired the Specialist Holidays Group from Travelopia for an undisclosed sum.

The deal includes specialist operators American Holidays, Citalia and Sovereign Luxury Travel, which will be added to the TravCorp Holdings portfolio which includes Destination2, Destination2 Cruise and Holiday Gems.

Chester-based TravCorp Holdings said the acquisition would increase its presence in the specialist, premium and tailor-made travel markets and bolster its specialisms in areas which currently include the Middle East, Indian Ocean and cruise.

Specialist Holidays Group managing director Helen Adamson will remain in her role following the acquisition, and will report to Andy Freeth, who was appointed as TravCorp Holdings group chief executive in January.

The deal has been supported by TravCorp’s long-term investment partner BGF and continues a growth strategy led by TravCorp chair Andrew Botterill.

Botterill said: “We are thrilled to welcome Specialist Holidays Group into the TravCorp family.

“These are admired and trusted brands. The impressive team brings deep destination knowledge and a clear passion for customer-centred service. This acquisition marks a significant step forward as we continue to invest in specialist, destination-led brands.”

Adamson said: “We are delighted to join a well-established travel and leisure business. TravCorp Holdings has a strong reputation for building commercially successful companies centred around customer experience, service, and innovation.

“Our brands, audiences, and teams complement one another well and we’re excited about what we can achieve together.”

Travelopia chief executive Andy Duncan said: “Citalia, American Holidays and Sovereign Luxury Travel are trusted specialist brands that are passionate about delivering exceptional tailor-made travel experiences for their customers.

“We wish the team continued success under TravCorp Holdings’ ownership.”

Freeth added: “Citalia, American Holidays and Sovereign Luxury Travel bring substantial scale and valuable specialisms to our group offer.

“With continued support from our investment partners at BGF, this acquisition marks a key milestone in our plan to become one of the UK’s most trusted and successful collections of specialist travel brands.”