Expedia CruiseShipCenters is expanding in Texas, with plans
to open 19 new franchise locations in the state by 2023.
With four locations already in the state, the cruise
retailer is targeting a total of 23 locations in Texas. The additions will come
over the next three to five years, according to Expedia CruiseShipCenters, and
are part of an overall growth plan for the brand. It plans to have 500
locations in North America in the next five years.
Seven Texas locations are currently in development in
Dallas, McKinney, Houston, San Antonio and Waco. Expedia CruiseShipCenters' target
markets include Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso and
Corpus Christi.
Bob Tipple, senior director of franchising, said Expedia
CruiseShipCenters' growth has been influenced by the increasing popularity of
cruising.
"As the third-largest state for cruise embarkations,
Texas provides enormous potential for cruise vacation sales and is the perfect
market for Expedia CruiseShipCenters to continue its growth," he said.
Tipple also said the large population of Texas makes it an
appealing choice, as driving time to the port is a factor in cruisers'
decision-making. He said based on the population, there is room for more than
100 Expedia CruiseShipCenters in the state.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters is owned by Expedia Inc.