UK based Great Rail Journeys buying Vacations By Rail
UK based Great Rail Journeys has signed a deal to buy escorted and independent rail specialist Vacations By Rail for an undisclosed sum.
Great Rail Journeys said the acquisition was part of its plan to expand both internationally and into new product areas.
Last year, it launched a new river cruise offering and its summer 2020 program has already been extended to include exclusive small group tours.
The combined business will offer a global portfolio of escorted rail itineraries and an expanded collection of independent rail vacation to customers in both the UK and the US.
It will also give the UK market exclusive access to Vacations By Rail’s products in North America’s National Parks and Alaska.
Great Rail Journeys has a workforce of 150 people and offers nearly 400 itineraries in 50 countries globally.
Established in 2004, Vacations By Rail offers its North American customers escorted rail tours, luxury rail journeys and custom itineraries to destinations across North America.
Great Rail Journeys’ president of North America Heather Leisman will assume leadership of the combined North American business.
VBR co-founders Todd Powell and Cole~Dannewitz will join the existing GRJ executive team and move into new roles.
Great Rail Journeys’ CEO Peter Liney said: "This acquisition is the first step of many as we look to enhance our position as the world’s leading rail holiday company. At a time of market uncertainty, it signifies our scale and ambition within the market and at one stroke makes us a market leader for escorted rail holidays in the USA.
Liney said that as a result of the deal, its UK business would be handling ‘far more’ customers from North America.
Some staff from the York, UK office will be seconded to Chicago to help develop product, while some US staff will come to York to assist with developing FIT trips.
"There will be some linkage, but no wholesale job movements," said Liney.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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