The acquisition, which was announced to staff of both businesses on Monday morning (21 September), is expected to be completed next week (30 September), with Sunvil promising agents "a seamless handover".

Discover the World will continue to operate as a standalone brand under Sunvil's ownership. Staff within Discover the World's holiday division will be retained, ensuring continuity of service and relationships while preserving decades of destination expertise.

Sunvil said acquiring Discover the World would "complement and enhance" its existing range while strengthening its rail, long-haul and Nordic offerings.

The two brands have long been associated thanks to their respective memberships of Aito, the Association of Independent Tour Operators, of which Sunvil was a founding member. It gave up its membership last year.

Upon completion. Stacey will retire and leave Discover the World. Deputy Managing Director Nicky Greenwood, who joined the operator three years ago to lead its holiday business day-to-day, will also depart but intends to stay within the travel industry, TTG has been told.

Discover the World was founded in 1983 specialising in trips to Iceland and Greenland, and became an early champion of winter holidays to the Nordics.

Its programme has expanded to include worldwide wildlife experiences, polar journeys and tailor-made options, as well as trips to Canada and New Zealand, building itself a reputation for "pioneering, nature-rich holidays".

'Natural fit'

Sunvil Managing Director Chris Wright said: “Discover the World Holidays is a business we have long admired for its pioneering approach, specialist expertise and loyal customer following.

"Its destinations and style of travel sit naturally alongside Sunvil’s own carefully crafted programmes, and we see real opportunity to build on Clive’s legacy while bringing added strength to our wider portfolio.

"Our priority on completion of the acquisition is a seamless handover of ownership, for customers, for trade partners and, importantly, for the staff whose knowledge and passion are central to the holiday business.”

Stacey said: “After more than four decades building the holiday business, this is naturally a significant moment for me and for the team. I am proud of what we have achieved together and grateful to every colleague, customer and supplier who has been part of that journey.

"In Sunvil, I believe we have found a custodian that understands specialist travel, values personal service and will respect the spirit on which the holiday business was built. I leave with confidence in the future and with heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Discover the World Holidays over the years.”

Greenwood said: “The holiday business moves to new ownership in good shape. As a leadership team working alongside Clive, we’ve spent recent years investing in our website, brand identity and customer experience, strengthening the platform from which Discover the World Holidays will now move forward under Sunvil’s ownership.”

'Next chapter'

Sunvil was founded in 1970 and is known for championing Greece and Cyprus, as well as pioneering travel to lesser-visited destinations in Portugal, Spain, Albania, Croatia and the Nordics, as well as Latin America.

Noel Josephides, Co-Founder of Sunvil, added: “Sunvil has always believed in specialist travel, independent thinking and holidays created with care. Discover the World Holidays shares that outlook and, once the agreement is complete, this acquisition brings together two holiday businesses with complementary strengths and a deep respect for destination knowledge.

"We are delighted to welcome the Discover the World Holidays team and look forward to supporting the next chapter of the holiday business.”

Discover the World Education, which is run separately to holidays, is not part of the transaction and will continue to operate independently, led by Dan Stacey.