Cruise company finds a travel companion

Luxury cruise provider Imagine, which is a sponsor of Swindon Town Football Club, has a headquarters at Lydiard Fields Business Park and works with leading cruise companies around the world.

The deal, which was exchanged yesterday, will see the Emirates-owned dnata take a 51 per cent stake in the firm.

The deal is still subject to regulatory approval in South Africa, where both companies have travel interests.

Imagine Cruising and dnata will continue to operate independently pending the completion.

Robin Deller, the managing director of Imagine Cruising, said the deal would help both companies.

“The partnership between Imagine Cruising and dnata will support the development of both businesses,” he said.

“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.”

dnata was established in 1959 and is one of the world’s largest air services suppliers, offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services across five continents.

Its travel strand is the largest provider of services in its sector in the Middle East, dealing with 3.5 million bookings each year.

“Imagine Cruising is a key distributor of cruise products around the world,” said Iain Andrew, the divisional senior vice president of dnata’s travel business.

“The addition of the company to the dnata portfolio adds expertise in the cruise sector, strengthening us as an international leaderin travel services.

“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.

“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.”