Thames sightseeing operator City Cruises has bought York River Boat Cruises Ltd for £2.5m.
It says the fleet will become more widely available for travel agents and group travel organisers to book as a result.
The deal expands the City Cruises brand to 25 boats in three locations, including Poole, which it acquired in 2014.
York Boats currently employs 20 staff and has five large passenger boats. General Manager Jo Dykes, who has been with the company for over 20 years, will oversee the company’s transition to become City Cruises York.
City Cruises’ revenue increased 6% in 2016-17. It spent £2.4m refurbishing its City Alpha boat last year, and launched its third ThamesJet boat.
MD Kyle Haughton says: “There are significant opportunities to work with the trade in York and the success we’ve had packaging attractions with cruises is something we want to develop there too.
“We’re increasingly seeing the inbound market expanding into regions outside the capital and we believe that our brand and business model will enhance the traditional boat operator business in York.”
Visit citycruisesyork.com
