Sydney-based travel company The Goldman Group has its eyes set on expansion, acquiring Brisbane’s The Cruise Centre.

The move echoes The Goldman Group’s larger endeavour to enter the Queensland travel market.

Both The Goldman Group and Cruise Centre are members of Virtuoso worldwide network and Goldman Group Executive Chairman Tom Goldman says the acquisition will cement the companies’ place in the luxury travel space in Australia.

“With Australia currently the fifth largest source market for cruises globally, building upon our cruise business was a priority for the group this year, alongside increased marketing and sales activity across all our travel businesses,” Goldman said.

“This acquisition will position us as a major player in the premium and luxury cruising space, adding in-depth expertise and invaluable first-hand cruising experience of The Cruise Centre’s consultants,” he added.

See also: Travel Weekly recently sat down with Anthony Goldman, read the interview here. 

The Goldman Group will be celebrating 35 years next year and was recently awarded top Virtuoso agency in Australia and New Zealand for the past three years, as well as ‘Best Corporate Agency – Multi Location’ in 2017 at the National Travel Industry Awards.

The Cruise Centre is acclaimed for its team of voyage specialists, all with extensive first-hand cruising expertise across a range of vessels to both popular and far flung destinations around the globe.

“Currently based in Brisbane, we’re looking forward to rolling out The Cruise Centre brand in both Victoria and New South Wales in the near future, and to servicing and growing our cruise clientele nationwide,” Golman said.

“Goldman clients will benefit from the extensive personal cruising experience of The Cruise Centre’s advisors, with the added benefit of the Goldman Group teams’ worldwide destination and luxury travel knowledge.”

The acquisition brings an additional eight staff members to The Goldman Group, builds on the company’s steady growth over recent years, and firms its position as one of Australia’s leading travel companies.

Cruise industry stalwart, Elizabeth Clarke, currently Joint Managing Director at The Cruise Centre, will be joining Goldman to ensure a seamless transition of the business from Savenio.

“The Cruise Centre’s passion for travelling by sea is infectious, and we’re always on hand to share inside tips on the latest exotic ports, shore excursions and immersive cultural experiences with both novice and repeat cruise customers,” Clarke said.