Hurtigruten takes stake in Galápagos operator
Hurtigruten Group has acquired a minority stake in Metropolitan Touring, a South American travel company focused on the Galápagos Islands.
Hurtigruten Group takes a 24.9% share in the company which is headquartered in Quito, Ecuador.
CEO of Hurtigruten Group Daniel Skjeldam said: “This investment signifies our growth journey and we are delighted to invest in Metropolitan Touring, a proud South American company that mirrors our expedition heritage and sustainability values.”
“It is a unique opportunity for us to contribute to a more meaningful partnership, where we can expand quickly.”
Hurtigruten Expeditions is offering year-round expedition cruises, in close cooperation with Metropolitan Touring, on board the 90-guest Santa Cruz II.
“We are excited by the prospect of this partnership which brings together two companies that have a common long-term vision of our industry’s power to do good in the world.
This announcement will bolster South America’s position as an exciting travel destination on the global stage,” Metropolitan Touring CEO Paulina Burbano de Lara said.
Its guests can already explore land-based South America adventures before or after their voyage, such as the iconic Machu Picchu, the Cotopaxi national park and the city life of Quito.
The partnership will broaden opportunities to expand into more unique land-based programs.
Ray Monty
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