Kelsian Group

The number of international tourists visiting Western Australia has hit record levels, but overall international visitors to the state, including students, have declined.

Rottnest Island’s quokkas have given SeaLink Travel Group a handy boost, with the company’s ferry services producing a profit for the first time since the national operator launched them around 18 months ago.

A privately-owned international bus operator that commenced operations in Perth in 1995 has struck a friendly merger agreement with SeaLink Travel Group, which operates the Rottnest and Swan River ferry services.

SeaLink Travel Group’s $700 million takeover target, Transit Systems, has renewed two transport contracts in Western Australia worth around $57 million per year, as well as securing a new contract.

Spinifex Brewing Co’s range of infused beers using native ingredients will soon be available for travellers heading to Rottnest and cruising the Swan River, with SeaLink Travel Group’s Captain Cook Cruises division becoming the Aboriginal-owned brewery’s first stockist.

The state government has urged Western Australian tourism operators to bring forward deals and promotions in support of the local industry, as it launches a ‘Do it in WA’ campaign that will use existing funding.

Ferry operator SeaLink Travel Group has agreed to purchase family-owned business Go West Tours and three of its bus depots for up to $114 million.

SeaLink Travel Group will formally change its name to Kelsian Group next week, an anagram the company says represents growth and a nod to its origins.

ASX-listed Kelsian Group has bought another Western Australian business, bolstering its presence in the state’s transport sector and BDO’s growing pipeline of buy-side deals.

Zenith Insurance Services, Dardanup Butchering Co, Austral Pool Solutions, Omni Dental and Forpark Australia were among numerous private WA companies to change hands late last year.

Tourism Western Australia has appointed five new board members, including Perth Airport chief executive Jason Waters and Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours owner Rosanna Angus.

Transport provider Kelsian Group has entered into binding agreements to sell and lease back bus depots in Welshpool, Landsale and South Bunbury.

The SeaLink Rottnest Island ferry service and Captain Cook Cruises are both up for sale as parent company Kelsian Group seeks to offload assets in its national tourism portfolio.