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 the e-hoi Group's expertise 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 Un mundo de cruceros and Wondercruises are also part of e-hoi group.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Frankfurt, the 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 region, and has developed its own technology platform that has driven the digitization of cruise sales.
Trip.com Group views the transaction as a strategic investment in the growth of the cruise industry, where demand continues to rise. According to CLIA, the global number of cruise passengers reached 37.2 million in 2025, up 7.5% from the previous year.
The integration will combine e-hoi group’s expertise in European cruises with Trip.com Group’s global platform and its capabilities in technology, artificial intelligence, flights, and hotels, with the goal of driving product development, service innovation, and the digital customer experience.
Business Continuity for Customers and Partners
e-hoi group will continue to operate independently within Trip.com Group, retaining its brands, offices, teams, and management structure. Business operations will continue as usual, and current bookings, services, partners, and work processes 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 expertise in the cruise industry with Trip.com Group's global travel and technology platform.
For his part, Detlev Schäferjohann noted that the integration will enable the e-hoi group to strengthen its technological capabilities and make progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, while Nicolay Merkt emphasized that continuity for customers, employees, and business partners will be a priority.
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