Cruise control: Essel Group exits biz

Zee was running the business under Zen Cruises, which in fact was the India’s general sales agent for Jalesh Cruises of Mauritius, according to a statement. Like hotels, airlines and cinemas, cruise shipping has also been shut since the coronavirus pandemic hit the world early February.

On top of that, the Zee group has been facing liquidity problems at some of the group entities. Waterways Leisure is part of the USbased NRI Sant Chatwal-promoted Dreams Hotel Group. The deal also includes the sale of Jalesh’s entire digital interface and technology backend, the software developed for customer acquisition, and the database of customers, travel agents and partner network.

Waterways has also hired existing executives and employees of Zen and Jurgen Bailom will continue as the President & Chief Executive. Vijay Kher, Country Head, Dream Hotel Group and the spokesperson for Waterways Leisure, said they are excited to capitalise on the Jalesh brand, which was India’s first premium cruise brand.

The Zee Group in September 2018 announced its entry into the cruise business with a potential investment of $100 million. The shipping line made its maiden sail to Goa in April 2019.