Travel Seen, a social-led business founded by industry veteran Jen Atkinson, has recently acquired a majority stake in the luxury travel company eShores, based in Manchester. This acquisition marks the fourth addition to Travel Seen’s growing portfolio of partners, showcasing their commitment to expanding their presence in the travel industry. With eShores contributing around £12 million in turnover, the total transactional value (TTV) of the group now stands at approximately £20 million, signaling a significant milestone for the company’s growth trajectory.
Partnership with eShores
Jen Atkinson expressed her excitement about partnering with eShores, highlighting the impressive growth and resilience of the agency post-pandemic. She commended eShores for their dedication to customer service and their ability to maintain a loyal customer base, leading to a substantial increase in business over the past five years. Atkinson was particularly drawn to the familial atmosphere within the agency, noting the rare sense of camaraderie and teamwork that pervaded the workplace. This unique culture, combined with eShores’ expertise in luxury multi-center holidays and bespoke services, made them an attractive investment opportunity for Travel Seen.
Strategic Growth Opportunities
The acquisition of eShores not only provides Travel Seen with a significant boost in scale but also opens up new avenues for developing preferred partner relationships with suppliers, such as hotels and airlines. Atkinson emphasized the potential for eShores to expand its offerings to the trade market, positioning the agency as an operator for Travel Directors within Aquilium Travel. By leveraging their combined strengths and resources, Travel Seen aims to enhance commercial relationships, increase brand awareness through social media, and tap into a broader network of customers. With a focus on generating leads and curating personalized experiences for high net-worth clients, Travel Seen is poised to capitalize on the synergies between their existing portfolio and eShores’ specialized services.
Continued Leadership and Growth
Despite the acquisition, eShores’ co-founders Gavin Lapidus and Nadine Brown will continue to lead the agency, ensuring continuity for their loyal customer base. Lapidus expressed his pride in eShores’ journey and growth, highlighting the investment as a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution. Maintaining a substantial equity stake in the business, Lapidus and Brown are committed to driving further growth and innovation in the luxury travel sector. By combining their industry expertise with Travel Seen’s resources and strategic vision, eShores is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and solidify its position as a leading provider of bespoke travel experiences.
In conclusion, Travel Seen’s acquisition of eShores represents a strategic move to expand their presence in the luxury travel market and capitalize on the synergies between the two companies. With a shared commitment to exceptional customer service, innovative offerings, and strategic growth initiatives, Travel Seen and eShores are poised to create value for their customers and stakeholders alike. As the travel industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one demonstrate the power of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable growth and success.
