Adelaide-based SeaLink Travel Group is acquiring the Australian operations of Captain Cook Cruises. These include the Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruises and paddle steamer voyages along the Murray.
Tourism & Transport Forum chief executive John Lee said the deal brings together “two of Australia’s most trusted small boat cruising companies to give the industry better national reachâ€.
SeaLink is best known in Australia for its Kangaroo Island ferry service, but the group also includes activities in Auckland harbour, where it runs commuter services to Waiheke and Great Barrier islands.
SeaLink also operates services in Queensland as well as a range of non-maritime travel businesses.
SeaLink will become one of the largest tourism employers in the country after the deal, with a combined workforce of 750 across the country.
“This will provide a boost in confidence for the sector,†Lee added.
