APT Travel Group, which runs tours all over the world, announced last week it had taken a majority stake in Murray River Paddlesteamers.
Since 1996, the Echuca-based company has been operating heritage tours along the Murray aboard its iconic paddlesteamers, the PS Canberra and PS Emmylou.
Locals and visitors are familiar with the shrill steam whistles that reverberate across the district, contributing to Echuca and Moama’s historical charm.
For APT Travel Group chief executive David Cox, the acquisition represents a commitment to preserving the distinctive charm and heritage that makes Australian river tourism truly special.
"The Murray River is woven into this country’s history, and for us to now be custodians of vessels that keep that history alive is something we’re very proud of,” he said.
“After nearly a hundred years of delivering exceptional experiences to travellers around the world, we can't wait to bring more of that same standard to our own backyard."
Murray Paddlesteamers director Craig Burgess will continue to lead the company, with APT Travel Group providing operational and financial support.
Mr Burgess said the partnership marked the start of an exciting new chapter for the company.
“For more than two decades, Murray River Paddlesteamers has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Murray River,” he said.
“The APT Travel Group provides the resources, expertise and long-term vision to secure that legacy for future generations."
The team members at Murray Paddlesteamers will remain in their roles, and the company will continue to operate as its own brand with its own identity, Mr Cox assured.
“Craig and his team know this river, this community and these guests better than anyone — and that doesn't change,” he said.
“We want to help where we can, drawing on our extensive experience in tourism, and then take stock and solidify where the business is heading.
“We are committed to this community for the long term and will continue to look for opportunities to invest and grow as they present themselves.”
The third vessel under Murray Paddlesteamers, the eagerly anticipated PS Australian Star, was scheduled to begin tours earlier this year; however the Riv reported in April that technical challenges had caused delays.
APT Travel’s website lists dates for its eight-day ‘Retreat to the Murray’ tour on the Australian Star as starting from November.
Mr Cox said the Star was a complex, custom-built vessel, and structural issues were identified before its launch earlier this year.
He said the group was committed to ensuring the vessel only entered service when ready to “deliver exceptional experiences”.
“We can say with confidence is that she will be on the water later this year, and we are very much looking forward to a successful summer season on the Murray,” he said.
With the backing of a global marketing powerhouse, Echuca’s historic river front is well positioned to attract a wave of high-spending international and domestic travellers when the peak summer season hits.
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