APT sells majority stake in KCT

APT sells majority stake in KCT
By admin


The APT Group has announced it has sold its 60% stake in Kakadu Cultural Tours (KCT) back to its partners and KCT’s original founders Djabulukgu Association (DAI).

Through KCT, APT operated its Arnhemlander Tour, Guluyambi Cruise and Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge, with APT set to continue handling all bookings and payments until close of business today, with DAI taking over full management from November 15.

All existing bookings are being transferred to the new KCT reservations system so as to ensure travel agents do not need to rebook anything.

APT Group’s director Robert McGeary said that KCT is deeply rooted within its cultural connections to the traditional owners of Kakadu, with the business maturing beyond the point of requiring APT’s support.

“APT first invested in KCT in 2008, recognising the strength of the three products within the portfolio and also their relevance to our former Northern Territory short breaks business,” McGeary said.

“We subsequently added distribution and invested heavily in operations and infrastructure, specifically in areas such as staff training, upgrading vehicles, providing additional tents and adding ensuite facilities.”

“In doing so, we’ve helped mature the business to the point where KCT no longer needs the support of APT, so it seems a natural time to pass the business back to its original owners.”

APT will continue its relationship with KCT and DAI through its Kimberley and Outback Wilderness Adventure programs, using Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge, Arhnemlander Tour and the Guluyambi Cruise on all Darwin to Broome and Darwin to Cairns tours.

Commenting on the acquisition, CEO of DAI and KCT director Liam Maher said the six-year partnership with APT helped DAI to become equipped with the skills to operate the business, and thanked both Geoff and Robert McGeary for their support.

“DAI is pleased to have secured APT’s continued loadings into KCT products, namely its Kimberley and Outback Wilderness Adventures, as Kakadu and cultural components of their extended specialised Northern Australian touring programs,” Maher said.

“It shows that APT has considerable confidence in KCT’s product and services.”

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News