Hays Travel’s investment in My Kind of Cruise marks a pivotal moment for the tech start-up as it seeks expansion beyond the UK.
- With 303,000 users since its 2022 launch, the app targets Millennials and Gen Z, aiming to diversify its market.
- Dame Irene Hays praises Sefton Monk’s vision, emphasising the strategic importance of this partnership.
- Jonathon Woodall-Johnston and Ken Campling join the board to drive growth as My Kind of Cruise expands its offerings.
- My Kind of Cruise maintains a 46% repeat booking rate, aiming for further growth through strong partnerships.
Hays Travel’s recent investment in the mobile application My Kind of Cruise signifies a significant step for the app’s creator, Sefton Monk, as he ambitiously pursues growth beyond the UK market. Since its inception in 2022, the app has accumulated 303,000 users, predominantly comprising Millennials and Gen Z, who engage across mobile, tablet, and web platforms.
The app has revolutionised the cruise booking experience by enabling users to search, compare, and book cruises with UK operators. However, Sefton Monk intends to expand this unique service beyond the British borders, recognising the potential to captivate international audiences. Dame Irene Hays expressed her admiration for Sefton Monk’s innovative approach, which drove Hays Travel’s decision to invest in the burgeoning business.
In a strategic move to further support the expansion efforts, Hays Travel has appointed its Chief Operating Officer Jonathon Woodall-Johnston and Finance Director Ken Campling to join the My Kind of Cruise board. This collaboration aims to realise growth targets through both expertise and infrastructural backing from the UK’s largest independent travel agent.
My Kind of Cruise has carved a niche with an impressive repeat booking rate of 46%, with 58% of its business coming from customers new to cruising. This dynamic presents an opportunity to capture a broader market segment beyond mere expansion, reinforcing the app’s adaptability to different customer needs and demographics.
Sefton Monk articulated the necessity for this partnership, citing the expertise and financial support that Hays Travel provides as crucial for scaling the business. By aligning with Hays Travel, the app gains access to substantial infrastructure and commercial power, essential for sustaining its rapid growth and diversification aims.
The collaboration between Hays Travel and My Kind of Cruise is poised to redefine market landscapes and expand international reach.
