Ambassatours, Murphy's merge to form Canadian sightseeing giantAmbassatours, Murphy's merge to form Canadian sightseeing giant

In an announcement Wednesday, Ambassatours said it will welcome Murphy’s into its company fold, effective immediately. 

'This merger establishes us as Canada’s largest and most diverse sightseeing tour company and provides us with a dynamic foundation for growing new markets,' said Dennis Campbell, president and ceo of Ambassatours Gray Line. 'Murphy’s' legacy of creating and delivering outstanding guest experiences completely harmonizes with our company’s philosophy and focus,' he added.

The combined group has more than 400 employees.

'Gray Line Halifax has done an incredible job of creating memorable destination experiences and is now unique among our worldwide Gray Line companies: offering both amphibious and tall ship tours, as well as antique double decker and motor coach tours,' according to Brad Weber, ceo Gray Line Worldwide. He called the merger 'a huge accomplishment and a very welcome addition to the Gray Line product offering of over 3,500 tours and experiences in 200 cities around the world.'

Long-time Murphy's ceo Jeff Farwell also expressed his satisfaction with the deal. 'Dennis and I, as industry leaders, are both optimistic and energized about the continued growth and vitality of tourism in the region. We look forward to keeping Atlantic Canada in the tourism spotlight as we continue to innovate and grow our business together,' he said.

The Murphy’s fleet delivers a wide range of Halifax harbour tour experiences aboard 11 vessels for groups and individuals. Well-known vessels include Theodore Tugboat, Harbour Hopper, Mar, The Tall Ship Silva and the Harbour Queen. Ambassatours Gray Line (known as the 'Company With The Kilts'), operates Peggy’s Cove sightseeing tours, Halifax’s Big Pink double-decker tours, cruise ship shore excursions and customized charter bus services cross Canada and the US.

Under the Ambassatours umbrella, Murphy’s tour boats, restaurant and gift shops will continue to operate under their well-established brands from their historic Cable Wharf location on the Halifax waterfront.  

As Ambassatours Gray Line, the combined entity will have Campbell as ceo and Farwell as president (and majority shareholders), with employees Sean Buckland and Mary Dempster as minority shareholders.