Active Travel Group is looking to grow by acquiring “at least one” more adventure and activity operator this year.
It has reported a strong trading recovery through the last quarter, “driven by a surge of bookings for winter specialist Ski Solutions and heightened demand for UK trips in Scotland and England from domestic travellers with Wilderness Scotland and Cycling for Softies”.
Craig Burton, Active Travel Group chief executive, said: “We are increasingly confident of a V-shaped recovery for the group over the next 12 months, driven initially by the resurgence of Ski Solutions, but further accelerated through 2022 by the Wilderness and cycling brands as they see a strong recovery in visitors from key international markets.”
Ski Solutions has reported record-breaking trading through the last quarter ending April 30, with new bookings up 17% on the comparable pre-Covid period in 2019.
Demand for next winter among skiers and boarders, some of whom have missed two seasons on the slopes, is driving record levels of new bookings.
Burton added: “The sector is of course reeling from the loss of the recent winter season, but we take considerable comfort from the sheer volume of pent-up demand we have seen come through over the last few months.”
The group is also seeing increased interest for domestic travel, especially with nature-based experiences.
Stevie Christie, head of adventure at Wilderness Scotland, commented: “We’ve seen a huge increase in UK agents contacting us, seeking high quality holidays in remote and beautiful landscapes. In particular requests for supported cycling, self-drive adventures and customised luxury holidays have been very popular.”
The renewed interest in domestic travel prompted the launch of sister brand Wilderness England and a dedicated trade website, The Wilderness Group.
Active Travel Group said growth through acquisition is now a key focus for the board, chaired by industry veteran John Wimbleton.
Burton added: “With the support of our private equity shareholder Mobeus Equity Partners, our ambition is to make at least one further addition to the ATG family of brands this year.
“We are particularly attracted to adventure and activity operators who are the absolute ‘best in class’ within their specialist niche. Our operating model allows like-minded owners and management teams to flourish independently, whilst leveraging the benefits of group support.”