Private equity firm Certares invests in Avoya Travel

Terms were not disclosed.

Brad Anderson to senior advisor, Van Anderson to retire

As part of the transaction, Avoya co-founders Brad Anderson will move to a senior advisory role and Van Anderson will retire.

Brothers Jeff and Michael Anderson, who've served as co-presidents since 2019, have managed day-to-day operations for nearly a decade.

Supporting growth opportunities

Welcoming Certares, Jeff Anderson said the investment would help Avoya to 'capitalize on the growth opportunities we see ahead as our industry begins its strong recovery.'

Certares' other travel investments include AmaWaterways, G Adventures, Gohagan and Co., Internova Travel Group (which includes Travel Leaders Group), Mystic Invest Holding (DouroAzul, Nicko Cruises, Atlas Ocean Voyages), Brazil's Azul airline, South America's LATAM airline group, Tripadvisor, several hotels, the French adventure travel company Voyageurs du Monde and Abu Dhabi-based Nirvana Travel & Tourism.

'Cheering on the Avoya team'

'We are thrilled to be partnering with the Anderson family as shareholders of Avoya and are cheering on the entire Avoya team,' said Colin Farmer, senior managing director and head of the management committee of Certares. 'Through three generations of family leadership, Avoya has built an incredible team which has consistently pioneered innovative technology, industry-leading marketing and unmatched relationships with independent travel agencies, travelers and suppliers. We are delighted to support the next phase of Avoya’s growth.'

The Anderson family has been involved in the travel industry for nearly 60 years. Brad and Van's parents Pal and Pat Anderson launched their business in 1964 in Hawaii.

Avoya Travel was formed in 2006.