Holiday Planet sold to UK cruise company

Perth-based travel company Holiday Planet has been sold to UK firm Image Cruising, which is majority owned by international travel giant Emirates Group.

Holiday Planet was founded by managing director Alan Dodson in 2000 and is considered one of the state’s top travel companies.

Mr Dodson will continue in his role as managing director, while operations director Michael Croy is set to retire.

Imagine Cruising set up in Brisbane last year, and chief executive Robin Deller said it was excited to take on Holiday Planet.

“We have seen considerable success since launching Imagine Cruising in the booming Australian cruise market,” he said

“Holiday Planet is an excellent fit to Imagine Cruising as we look to grow further in Australia.

“Their expertise in offering a wide range of holidays, combined with our expertise in Cruise and Stay holidays, will provide a compelling offering to holidaymakers right across Australia.”

Mr Dodson said the new ownership would expand Holiday Planet’s offering.

“I am more excited than ever about what we can achieve in the coming years, and about working with Robin and his team at Imagine Cruising to grow Holiday Planet further,” he said

“It is terrific to have the backing and investment of Imagine Cruising as well as the backing of dnata and the Emirates Group.

“We look forward to offering our loyal customers an increased range of innovative holidays in the future.”

West Perth advisory firm Mergers & Acquisitions is understood to have acted for Holiday Planet.