Skift Travel News Blog

Attraction World Group (AWG) has been acquired by Montana World Investments, a newly founded international investment group, in a deal facilitated by alternative asset management firm Highmore Group.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed, and it is said to allow the UK-based tours and activities distribution and booking platform to expand internationally into industries like “loyalty programs, online travel agents (OTAs), airlines, rail, and transportation.”

The capital will be used to “fuel growth in new markets, invest in advanced technologies, and make strategic acquisitions in line with AWG’s vision,” according to Olly Nicholls, AWG’s Group CEO.

The deal also marks the exit of previous AWG shareholders, Ten Oceans.

Sealvans, a Turkish start-up founded in 2020, has begun taking orders for its new amphibious caravans in Europe following the completion of successful R&D studies.

The hybrid camper-boats have been designed to offer a seamless way to explore land and sea using a single vehicle – operating as a traditional caravan on land and a fully functioning boat on water. 

The Sealvans come in two size options, with the Seal 4.20m designed to comfortably accommodate two adults, while the larger Seal 7.50m provides enough space to accommodate a family of four. 

Inside the larger Sealvans model, the flexible layout can be divided into two separate bedrooms at night, while during day time there is enough space for a dining area, sitting area and shower room, all encompassed by panoramic windows. 

Although an interesting concept the Sealvan is not the first of its kind with the DepartureOne, Caracat and Sealander already in operation. 

Skift Ideas uncovers the most creative and forward-thinking innovations happening across travel. We celebrate innovation through our Skift IDEA Awards and hear from leaders on our Ideas podcast.

You can listen and subscribe to the Skift Ideas Podcast through your favorite podcast app here.

More than 100 travel industry stakeholders on Tuesday signed a letter to Congress urging them to prioritize passing clean energy tax credits and deductions. The letter was spearheaded by the U.S. Travel Association.

The letter urged the passage of tax incentives to expand sustainable aviation fuel production, electric vehicle charging station installations, clean energy technologies and energy efficiency upgrades to commercial buildings. It also called for strong federal investments to protect and restore natural attractions.

“Travel businesses and organizations of all sizes—from airlines and hotels to airports and attractions—are already taking steps to reduce waste, lower emissions, protect natural environments, and switch to more sustainable sourcing,” the letter said. “However, to accelerate and enable greater investment in this area, we need greater support at the federal level.”

On Tuesday, the USTA also launched the Sustainable Travel Coalition, which will advise USTA on sustainability issues and concerns within member organizations and destinations. As of the launch, the coalition has nearly 60 organizations,