Dnata, a major air services provider based in Dubai, UAE, has signed an agreement to purchase a majority stake in UK’s leading cruise and stay holiday distributors Imagine Cruising.

Imagine Cruising, an expert in both the tour operating and retailing of cruise, works 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 organisation 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,” Iain said. “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. – TradeArabia News Service