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HURTIGRUTEN DIVES INTO INTO ADVENTURE TRAVEL MARKET WITH 24.9% SHARE IN ECUADOR-BASED METROPOLITAN TOURING

The Hurtigruten Group has acquired a 24.9% share in Metropolitan Touring, one of South America’s leading firms and pioneers in the Galápagos Islands.

The move signals a push towards adventure travel while expanding its partnership with the Ecuador-based company, with headquarters in Quito.

Hurtigruten, known for its Norwegian coastal cruises, introduced its first Galapagos packages in January on the Santa Cruz II, a refurbished 90-passenger ship operated by Metropolitan.

according to CEO Daniel Skjeldam, the long-term investment represents the company’s growth journey.

“We are delighted to invest in Metropolitan Touring, a proud South American company that mirrors our expedition heritage and sustainability values,” he said.

“It is a unique opportunity for us to contribute to a more meaningful partnership where we can expand quickly, strategically, and deliver on our vision for the future together.”

The strategic partnership reinforces Hurtigruten’s global growth ambitions in the adventure travel market as it broadens its portfolio of products in iconic, natural destinations.

It also further demonstrates its position as a leader in sustainable adventure travel.

Hurtigruten in Ecuador
Sally lightfoot crabs in the Galapagos Islands. Credit: Rod Long / Unsplash

Metropolitan CEO Paulina Burbano de Lara said: “Hurtigruten Group share our passion for the wonders of South America and we are excited by the prospect of this partnership which brings together to companies that have a common long-term vision of our industry’s power to do good in the world.

“As we continue the post-Covid recovery, this announcement will bolster South America’s position as an exciting travel destination on the global stage, bringing its stunning natural and compelling cultural attractions into sharper focus for today’s responsible traveller.”

More about Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s largest expedition cruise company and part of Hurtigruten Group, is running expedition cruises all year round.

These will be offered in collaboration with Metropolitan which began sailing expedition cruises in the Galapagos in the 1970s and now organises trips across Ecuador, Columbia and Peru.

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