UK leisure giant buys into Pacific World networks

SINGAPORE Leading destination management company Pacific World has been acquired by Hotel Beds, a subsidiary of UK-based leisure-travel specialists First Choice Holidays.

The acquisition has been made to increase the UK company's strength in the Asian leisure-travel market. However Pacific World's founder Jacques Arnoux, and business partner Bob Guy, said the change will have no effect on the company's CEI business. Guy said: "First Choice is looking for an organisation that can fill its need in expanding in Asia. "There will be no changes in our brand or management. We're selling Pacific World shares and the rest of the business will remain the same for our MICE customers." Arnoux said: "I am very excited by this change. But it is still business as usual for MICE. "I will still be at the airport to meet clients and offering the personal service that Pacific World is renowned for." Pacific World has been a successful regional business with 19 operating offices in Asia with more than 450 employees.