Trip.com Group has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in e-hoi GmbH, an online travel agency (OTA) and tour operator specializing in cruises in Europe. The transaction combines e-hoi group's experience in the European market with Trip.com Group's technological capabilities and global reach.
The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Detlev Schäferjohann, founder and CEO of e-hoi group, will remain a shareholder and continue to lead the company alongside Nicolay Merkt, managing director. The brands A World of Cruises and Wondercruises are also part of e-hoi group.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Frankfurt, e-hoi group currently operates in eight European markets: Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, and France. The company is the market leader in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) and the Benelux countries, and has developed its own technology platform that has driven the digitalization of cruise marketing.
Trip.com Group considers the acquisition a strategic investment in the growth of the cruise sector, where demand continues to rise. According to CLIA, the global number of ocean cruise passengers reached 37.2 million in 2025, a 7.5% increase over the previous year.
The integration will combine e-hoi group's experience in European cruises with Trip.com Group's global platform and capabilities in technology, artificial intelligence, flights and hotels, with the aim of boosting product development, service innovation and the digital customer experience.
Continuity for customers and partners
e-hoi group will continue to operate independently within Trip.com Group, maintaining its brands, headquarters, teams, and management structure. Business operations will continue as normal, and current bookings, services, contacts, and working methods will not be affected by the transaction.
Ray Chen, CEO of Trip.com Group's Vacation Business Unit, highlighted the potential of combining e-hoi group's experience in the cruise sector with Trip.com Group's global travel and technology platform.
For his part, Detlev Schäferjohann noted that the integration will allow e-hoi group to strengthen its technological capabilities and advance in areas such as artificial intelligence, while Nicolay Merkt stressed that continuity for customers, employees and business partners will be a priority.
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