Cox & Kings, established in 1758 and widely recognised as the world’s oldest travel company, this week announces its official relaunch in Australia. This milestone marks a significant step in the brand’s ongoing global expansion under the strategic direction of AKTG (A&K Travel Group), which acquired the company in 2019.

The Australia relaunch represents the next phase in Cox & Kings’ international growth strategy, bringing its distinctive approach to culturally rich, immersive travel to the Australian market. With a heritage spanning more than 265 years, the brand continues to evolve – offering thoughtfully designed journeys that provide deeper insight into the history, culture and people that define each destination. As part of this evolution, Cox & Kings has launched with a brand refresh and new website, introducing its new positioning, Guided by Curiosity. Together, these signal a renewed vision for the brand, supported by AKTG’s global infrastructure and specialist destination expertise.

“I am delighted to introduce Cox & Kings to Australia as part of our broader global expansion,” said Debra Fox, Chief Sales Officer – Trade and Managing Director for AKTG, UK and APAC. “We are building on an extraordinary legacy, while shaping a travel experience that is both seamless and deeply enriching. Our focus is on creating journeys that offer genuine insight and connection, brought to life by the people and expertise behind them.”

Central to Cox & Kings’ offering is its comprehensive destination knowledge and the strength of its global network. With active offices and trusted partners in over 100 countries, Cox & Kings offers breadth as well as depth. Key regions include the Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, South America and Europe. Every journey is crafted by specialists with exceptional regional expertise and delivered by experienced guides and trusted local partners, ensuring travellers benefit from authentic local insight and a high level of care throughout their experience. This combination allows Cox & Kings to go beyond surface-level travel, offering a more meaningful understanding of each destination. The Australia launch is accompanied by an expanded pipeline of product with new tours launching in Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan and Umbria, and a broader range of itineraries and experiences set to be introduced in the coming months. These will further enhance the brand’s global portfolio, with a continued focus on cultural discovery, expert storytelling, and responsible travel practices.

Cox & Kings’ product portfolio includes both Small Group Tours and Tailormade Journeys. For the Australian relaunch, the primary focus will be on Small Group Tours, which will be booked and fully serviced locally in Australia. Tailormade offerings will be introduced later in the year. In the interim, bespoke travel requests will be supported by the company’s highly experienced UK team before transitioning to the Australian reservations team once local servicing is established.

The Small Group Tours have an average of 14 guests, giving travellers greater access to sites, guides and experiences. 90% of Group Tours include at least one guaranteed departure date, helping guests plan with confidence, and all Cox & Kings guests have access to 24/7 assistance. The company also offers specialist-led tours accompanied by expert lecturers in fields such as history, gastronomy, art, and architecture. In addition, selected departures are available to solo travellers with no single supplement, and guests can enhance their journeys with tailormade extensions to their itineraries.

Under the AKTG umbrella, every Cox & Kings tour and journey now supports Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP), helping communities and conservation efforts in the places they visit. AKP initiatives are also being incorporated into itineraries, reflecting a commitment to delivering travel that is both enriching and responsible.

“Cox & Kings is one of the most iconic names in travel, with a legacy that spans centuries,” said Jennifer Charlton, Managing Director of Cox & Kings. “Our ambition is to ensure that this heritage continues to thrive as we expand into key global markets such as Australia, and soon the United States. We are evolving the brand thoughtfully, retaining its authority and depth, while making it increasingly relevant to today’s global traveller.”

The Cox & Kings sales team in Australia will be led by Susan Haberle, VP of Sales & Partnerships, with Sara Puglia as the dedicated Cox & Kings Sales Director, and supported by the broader AKTG team of Sales Directors.