Kimberley Quest acquired by locally owned and operated Pinnacle Travel Group
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Luxury addition for Western Australian travel group: Kimberley Quest acquired by locally owned and operated Pinnacle Travel Group.
Luxury Kimberley cruise operator Kimberley Quest (KQ) has been acquired by Western Australian locally owned and operated company, Pinnacle Travel Group (PTG).
KQ is a multi-award-winning luxury tourism experience showcasing the rugged and pristine beauty of WA’s Kimberley region through its extended wilderness expedition cruises. With cruise options ranging from 4 to 21 nights in length, KQ takes guests to some of the world’s most remote, untouched and spectacular areas that only a select few are lucky enough to experience. The custom-built vessel, Kimberley Quest II, was designed for relaxing and exploring the magnificent Kimberley coastline in complete coastline and style. The fully air-conditioned vessel is equipped with a helipad, spa and large ensuite cabins, and has comfortable indoor and spacious al fresco areas – providing plenty of room to take in the panoramic scenery and breathtaking sunsets. Accommodating just 18 guests and 6 crew, KQ offers a holiday of a lifetime with fellow travellers in luxurious and intimate surrounds.
KQ is a dynamic and thriving business dedicated to providing guests with an unforgettable experience, and the acquisition has allowed PTG to expand its existing locally operated land- and marine-based tourism offerings throughout WA, with products suited to all markets from $25.00 hop-on/hop-off coach tours to luxurious $25,000 two-week Kimberley cruises. PTG Director, Luke Crispin said “we were able to secure KQ by having strong relationships in the industry. It was an off-market acquisition which further expands our growing portfolio of tourism offerings. KQ will provide us with another unique and iconic marine business in one of WA’s most spectacular areas – the Kimberley. KQ will work hand in hand with our current Rottnest Island operation, allowing us to share and further train staff and crew. KQ is already an incredible product, and as such there won’t be any operational changes but rather the Broome-based KQ staff will now have the backing of our Head Office for support in all areas, from operations and marketing to HR and accounts.”
WA Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti welcomed the acquisition, saying it was a great result for local tourism.
“Our government is all about supporting local jobs and businesses, so it’s fantastic knowing that a WA operator has taken over the well-established Kimberley Quest and will further support dozens of local jobs. We had a bumper season last financial year, with more than $333 million generated for our economy by the cruise sector and hoping for an even bigger and better season in 2023-24.”
Company Directors James Mulholland and Luke Crispin first met in the marine tourism industry as Rottnest Island ferry deckhands in the late 1990s. Over the years, they gained experience and expertise in engineering and skippering roles with various local and international businesses. They began their journey as business partners in 2012 with the acquisition of Rottnest Fast Ferries, and subsequently created PTG with the goal of becoming Australia’s top provider of quality experiences with locally owned family values. Today, PTG has a strong presence in WA across brand and includes a range of premium tourism brands, including industry-leading ferry services, coach day tours and seasonal products. A team of nearly 300 employees helps them achieve their vision of providing unparalleled experiences to their customers, and acquisitions such as this create unique career opportunities and progression pathways within the Group.
Australia’s North West CEO Bill Tatchell commented on the acquisition, outlining the benefits to the Northwest tourism industry.
“Adding KQ to the PTG portfolio ensures the Kimberley and the Northwest are promoted to new markets and can be easily included as part of an WA itinerary. The investment by PTG is more than just a sign of the confidence that they have in the KQ product and the regions tourism appeal, it demonstrates a commitment to supporting the local economy with operational expenditure, employment, and ongoing tourism dollars. ‘’
PTG Director James Mulholland reflected on how well KQ aligns with the foundation of PTG and their current tourism experience offerings.
“We began with Rottnest Fast Ferries, so the acquisition of KQ somewhat brings us back to where we started; we have expertise in marine, touring and transport. We are proudly WA’s largest locally and privately owned tourism business. This latest acquisition brings an unwavering commitment to providing our team with the best possible products and tools to ensure our customers the best experiences and life-changing tours.” The acquisition also provides PTG with a continuous presence in Broome to bolster its existing seasonal operations, highlighting the Group’s deep commitment to expanding its role in the local economy and tourism sector and to promoting WA as a must-visit destination to Australia and the world. “Now, our agents and partners can seamlessly plan trips to WA, benefitting from a single operator offering tourism from Wave Rock to the Pinnacles, through the stunning South West region, Perth and surrounds and all the way up to the breathtaking North West of our great State”, commented James Mulholland.
Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said Kimberley Quest was an incredible tourism experience which showcased the best the Kimberley region had to offer.
“I congratulate Pinnacle Travel Group on acquiring Kimberley Quest to expand its fantastic portfolio of tourism offerings throughout WA,” Mr Hall said.
He said Kimberley Quest had won multiple awards at the WA Tourism Awards in the unique accommodation and tour and transport categories, which reflected the calibre of the cruise operator.
“Unique experiences, like that offered by Kimberley Quest, are essential to WA’s tourism offering, and provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the State’s exceptional environment,” Mr Hall said
To make a booking on Kimberley Quest, visit:
To find out more about Pinnacle Travel Group, visit:
www.pinnacletravelgroup.com.au
Media Contact: Jared Brazier, [email protected] (+61) 439 983 784
ABOUT PINNACLE TRAVEL GROUP
Pinnacle Travel Group (PTG) is a proudly Western Australian family-owned and locally operated tourism group, offering a diverse portfolio of premium tourism brands from industry-leading ferry services, coach touring and charter services, and niche seasonal products. With over 40 years’ combined experience in the tourism industry, PTG is committed to providing unrivalled services to its customers.
PTG’s brands include:
Australian Pinnacle Tours, specialising in luxury coach and 4WD vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art-facilities, offering tours to all of Western Australia’s must-see destinations.
Day Tours From Perth - Tours WA - Australian Pinnacle Tours
Pinnacle Coachlines, with over 40 years of experience offering high-quality transportation services and solutions to various industries and clients across Perth and regional Western Australia. Its fleet of coaches is diverse and can be customised to meet the unique requirements of different sectors, including private, tourism, corporate and mining.
Bus Hire Perth - Coach Charter WA - Pinnacle Coachlines
Rottnest Fast Ferries, Western Australia’s only locally owned and operated Rottnest ferry company. Departing daily from Hillarys Boat Harbour, Rottnest Fast Ferries offers the largest selection of Rottnest Island travel packages, allowing visitors to choose exactly how they’d like to spend their time on Rottnest.
Rottnest Island Ferry & Packages | Rottnest Fast Ferries
Quokka Coaches, providing a broad-range of Rottnest Island transport and touring needs including island tours, accommodation shuttles and on-demand private transfers.
Rottnest Island Tours - Rottnest Day Trip from Perth (australianpinnacletours.com.au)
Whale Watching Perth, providing customers with an unforgettable experience of encountering the magnificent humpback whales on their annual migration along Western Australia’s coastline. Whale Watching Perth is the sole operator with a marine scientist from AQWA (the Aquarium of Western Australia) on board, who offers live and informative commentary.
Whale Watching Perth WA | Whale Watching Tours Hillarys
Explore Tours Perth, offering small group experiences in and around Perth. Customers can explore the best of Perth and its surrounds with a range of options, including half- and full-day tours, walking tours, private charter tours and shuttle buses.
Perth Day Tours - Pinnacles Day Trips - Explore Tours Perth
Lancelin 4x4 Adventures, with purpose-built 4WD coaches offering unique tours of Lancelin’s pristine white sand dunes, including four-wheel-driving and sand-boarding.
Lancelin Tours - 4wd, Sandboarding, Sand Dunes and More (australianpinnacletours.com.au)
Integrity Coachlines, offering a crucial lifeline for remote communities, Integrity connects Perth to Broome, serving destinations like Geraldton and Carnarvon. As the sole coach company linking Broome and Perth, Integrity ensures vital public transport access for rural WA, bridging gaps for locals and visitors alike. Explore the vast beauty of Western Australia affordably with our reliable services.
Bus Charters WA - Perth to Broome - Integrity Coach Lines
Gray Line Perth, discover Perth's hidden gems. Explore charming neighbourhoods, bustling markets, and renowned beaches like Cottesloe and Scarborough. Indulge in local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs. With comfortable transportation and expert guides, immerse yourself in Perth's magic stress-free.