The owner of four InterContinental resorts in French Polynesia has acquired Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of small-ship Tahiti cruises.
Paul Gauguin was bought by Pacific Beachcomber, a company led by Tahiti hotel developer Richard Bailey. Pacific Beachcomber owns the InterContinental Tahiti, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana, InterContinental Bora Bora and InterContinental Moorea.
"The acquisition of Paul Gauguin Cruises by Pacific Beachcomber is a most positive development for our company, our travel agent partners and valued guests, and for the tourism industry of French Polynesia," said Paul Gauguin Cruises CEO David Giersdorf.
Giersdorf said the cruise line's lone ship, the Paul Gauguin, has been sailing at full occupancy for the past three years and has only 5% of capacity remaining in 2009.
"As we approach 2010, it will be business as usual, with no changes to our award-winning inclusive product, our dedicated officers and crew members, or our support of travel sellers worldwide," Giersdorf said.
With Pacific Beachcomber now owning the cruise line, there will be an opportunity to package InterContinental resort stays with sailings, said Paul Gauguin Cruises.