Together with Scott Dunn’s existing operations in London, San Diego and Singapore, the deal will make the combined business Asia’s biggest player in bespoke, private travel.
One of the world’s biggest luxury travel brands, the UK company Scott Dunn, has acquired Singapore’s Country Holidays in a move that will create a global 24/7 team of more than 300 staff - and a business with a turnover of S$290 million (US$219m) in 2018.
Together with Scott Dunn’s existing operations in London, San Diego and Singapore, the deal will make the combined business Asia’s biggest player in bespoke, private travel.
Over the next 12 months, Country Holidays will be rebranded as Scott Dunn and the existing Scott Dunn Singapore and Country Holidays teams will be merged, sharing new headquarters in Singapore.
Country Holidays’ founder, Theng Hwee, will become Scott Dunn’s new CEO – Asia, reporting to group CEO Simon Russell.
Scott Dunn has been pursuing an ambitious global expansion, starting with its acquisition of safari specialist Aardvark Safaris’ US operation, based in San Diego, in April 2016.
Scott Dunn subsequently opened a sales office in Singapore to service the growing Asian market.
Simon Russell, CEO of Scott Dunn said, “We are turning our attention to Asia. Acquiring an operator as established and reputable as Country Holidays step-changes our access to a market with a huge demand for luxury travel experiences.“
Russell said Country Hotels’ product portfolio and service ethic was ”the perfect fit” for Scott Dunn.
Theng Hwee, CEO, Scott Dunn Asia, said he was extremely proud of all the company had achieved in the last 23 years “but this move will now accelerate our growth, with all the benefits that come from being part of a leading global organisation”.
Who are Country Holidays?
Country Holidays began in 1994 and has grown to become one of the leading bespoke private travel businesses in Asia, with a turnover of S$35 million (US$26.5m).
Based in Singapore with sales offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Dubai, the company offers tailor-made trips to more than 100 destinations worldwide including some of the most remote and exotic destinations such as Polar Voyages, Iran, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Mongolia and Madagascar.
Who are Scott Dunn?
Scott Dunn, founded in 1986 by Andrew Dunn, is renowned for its high level of service, having been awarded Conde Nast Travellers’ coveted readers award for ‘favourite operator’ every year since 2013.