As Hornblower Group emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, new CEO Mike Flaskey is focusing on enhancing onboard experiences to drive growth for the company. With a background in hospitality and entertainment, Flaskey aims to revitalize the experience and transportation company by introducing headlining musicians, televised sports events, and expanding corporate team-building and reward programs. The company plans to serve about 20 million customers on ferry services, cruises, and tours this year, with a focus on providing unique and curated experiences for its customers.
Flaskey’s previous experience as CEO of Diamond Resorts, where he orchestrated a successful sale to Hilton Grand Vacations, has prepared him for the turnaround at Hornblower. He plans to replicate the strategy of offering curated experiences that was successful at Diamond Resorts, which included over 3,000 unique special events such as food and wine tastings, live music, sports, and entertainment. Flaskey believes that focusing on experiences will drive growth and attract more customers to Hornblower’s services, positioning the company as a leader in the competitive travel experiences segment.
Hornblower Group had accrued $1.2 billion in debt, partly due to the impact of pandemic travel restrictions on its business. However, Flaskey states that the company now has a “pristine balance sheet” after emerging from bankruptcy. With plans to capitalize on the company’s extensive customer base for affiliate marketing opportunities and improve face-to-face marketing and direct bookings in tourist districts, Flaskey aims to aggressively pursue market share in the travel experiences industry. The company expects to see growth by offering unique and immersive experiences to its customers through its ferry services, cruises, and tours.
As Hornblower Group looks to the future under new leadership, CEO Mike Flaskey is focused on introducing innovative experiences to drive growth and cater to changing customer preferences. By leveraging his background in hospitality and entertainment, Flaskey plans to transform Hornblower into a leading player in the travel experiences industry, with a focus on team-building activities, rewards, and recognition programs. With a strong emphasis on providing curated experiences and unique events, Hornblower aims to attract more customers and expand its market presence in the competitive travel and transportation sector.
Flaskey’s successful track record at Diamond Resorts, where he implemented a strategy of offering unique experiences that led to a successful sale, positions him well to lead the turnaround at Hornblower. By focusing on customer experiences and introducing new initiatives such as headlining musicians and televised sports events, Flaskey believes that the company can drive growth and generate new opportunities for revenue. With plans to expand corporate team-building programs and affiliate marketing opportunities, Hornblower is poised to capitalize on its customer base and increase market share in the travel experiences industry.
