Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) has unveiled ambitious global expansion plans, including new luxury lodges in Bolivia and Rwanda, as the Australian relaunch of Cox & Kings delivers stronger-than-expected results.
Speaking at AKTG’s annual Sydney showcase, An Endless Pursuit of Discovery, held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on Thursday 22 October, VP Sales & Partnerships Susan Haberle outlined the group’s growing global footprint, new products and investment in technology.
The event brought together travel advisors and industry partners for an evening of updates from across the group’s portfolio, including Abercrombie & Kent, Sanctuary, Crystal, Cox & Kings and Ecoventura.
“We really have been building something special,” Haberle told attendees. “You are the reason why we can do this expansion.”
The group now has more than 70 wholly owned destination management companies (DMCs) worldwide, up from around 50 just a few years ago.
Over the past 12 months, A&K has expanded into Mexico, Indonesia and South Korea, acquired Nordic specialist Borealis and established a presence in Bolivia.
Among its most ambitious developments is a new luxury camp on Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats, expected to open towards the end of 2027.
The property will feature five architecturally designed canvas accommodation units, alongside communal dining and lounge facilities, offering guests the opportunity to experience the salt flats beneath the stars.
A&K has also purchased land in Rwanda, where construction is set to begin on a new Sanctuary lodge, complementing its existing Gorilla Forest Lodge in neighbouring Uganda.
Meanwhile, the group’s new 32-suite Nile riverboat, Nile Seray, is preparing for its inaugural sailing. All suites will feature Juliet balconies, with two offering private balconies with Jacuzzis.
Other developments include the new Kitirua Plains lodge in Kenya’s Amboseli region and the refurbishment and relocation of Ngorongoro Crater Camp in Tanzania.
Cox & Kings comeback takes A&K by surprise
Haberle also revealed that Cox & Kings, which returned to the Australian market in June 2026, has performed beyond expectations.
A&K acquired the historic travel brand in 2019 following its collapse, but delayed its Australian relaunch while focusing on the pandemic recovery and the revival of Crystal.
“We really wanted to make sure we did it with respect and that we did it right,” Haberle said, acknowledging the brand’s difficult previous departure from the market.
The relaunched Cox & Kings targets experienced travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences, longer stays and greater independence rather than traditional fully inclusive touring.
Patagonia has emerged as its strongest-selling itinerary, benefiting from travellers combining the journey with Antarctic cruises.
Other popular destinations include South America, the Southern Caucasus and India.
Looking ahead, the operator has unveiled its 2027/28 itineraries, including new journeys through Central Asia, the Balkans, West Africa and Algeria, alongside expanded touring options in Britain, Ireland and Canada.
Dedicated solo departures are also a focus, with itineraries across destinations including India, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Portugal, Turkey, Costa Rica and Colombia.
To celebrate the new program, Cox & Kings is offering travel advisors the chance to win a $10,000 personal travel voucher, with eligible bookings made until the end of January.
International experts take centre stage
The Sydney showcase also featured presentations from four international AKTG specialists who travelled to Australia to share destination insights with the trade.
They included Akash Baijnath of A&K East & Southern Africa, Eric Andrews of Ecoventura Galapagos, Harriet Fisher of A&K Europe and Lidia Gallo of A&K Nordics.
The specialists highlighted the group’s local knowledge, exclusive access and on-the-ground connections, which Haberle said were central to delivering exceptional experiences for travellers.
The event also marked the first Australian trade presentation from Ecoventura, showcasing its luxury expedition offering in the Galapagos.
Haberle emphasised the importance of having local teams available not only to create unique itineraries but also to support travellers when things go wrong.
Technology overhaul promises faster turnaround times
Alongside its product expansion, A&K is investing in a new booking and operational system designed to improve efficiency for Australian travel advisors.
The group is gradually migrating its tailor-made journeys onto the new platform, with the transition expected to continue over the coming months.
“Documentation will be so much better than what you’ve had before. Turnaround times will be so much better than what you’d have before,” Haberle said.
She acknowledged the transition could involve some short-term challenges but said the investment would ultimately improve the experience for the trade.
The showcase concluded with a preview of A&K’s new brand video, reflecting the group’s continued investment in its luxury travel portfolio and global expansion.
duniapermainan.id