TUI UK acquires dive specialist
TUI UK has expanded its specialist active and adventure programmes with the acquisition of dive operator Explorers.
The company will become part of TUI UK’s specialist active and adventure division, which includes the Crystal and windsurfing operator Club Vass. A strategic alliance was formed with Club Vass in July.
Explorers has centres in the Red Sea, Maldives, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Caribbean, French Polynesia, Micronesia, Thailand and the Galapagos.
Founded in 1980 by Brian McGee, ABTA member Explorers is claimed to be the market leader in specialist diving holidays.
McGee said: “This is exciting news for Explorers and will lead to significant expansion of our activities, particularly in the Red Sea.”
TUI UK plans to further expand its own branded programmes as well as working to grow the Explorers business.
The two companies will continue to trade and operate under their own separate brands names. All Explorers staff and McGee will remain in their roles, reporting to specialist tour operations director Stuart McLeod.
McLeod said: “At TUI UK we pride ourselves on being able to offer the widest variety of activities holidays to all levels of competency. Diving is increasing in popularity and as a result of this acquisition we will be able to provide fantastic diving in some of the most renowned sites in the world.
“As Explorers is the market leader in dive holidays, they are an obvious partner for us. Their expertise in the diving sector will be a perfect compliment to our active holiday programmes.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
All eyes on Qatar as Qatar Airways leads a season of global events