CMAC Group announces expansion into Madeira and Azores as air travel reopens

CMAC Group, the UK’s leading managed ground transport and accommodation experts, announced the imminent expansion of its services through a strategic partnership with established Portuguese-based travel company, Here & Dare (formerly known as100rumos). 

Portugal has quickly become a hot spot for tourists following the long-awaited restart of international travel, with online searches for holidays to the country increasing by 264% after the governments green list announcement on 7thMay 2021. 

Founded in Accrington, Lancashire, CMAC Group provides emergency and planned ground transport and accommodation solutions.  

Today, CMAC Group operates across Europe and provides its round-the-clock services in the UK, France, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Mainland Spain, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Morocco, Italy, and Malta, providing a fast and appropriate solution for its world-leading portfolio of clients across multiple sectors.  

Peter Slater, CMAC CEO, commented: “We are delighted to have joined forces with Here & Dare. With over 20 years’ experience in providing peace of mind to clients during exceptional circumstances, their team of experts demonstrate in-depth knowledge of disruption management and possess strong supplier relationships across the entirety of Portugal, including Madeira and Azores, to ensure a seamless and safe service is provided.”  

Slater continues “This strategic partnership supports CMACs European growth plans. Enhancing our local presence in key markets is pivotal to delivering unrivalled aviation solutions. We firmly believe that local representatives are the key to successfully managing complex and demanding requirements, such as mass disruption”.  

The collaboration will strengthen CMACs ability to respond rapidly during times of disruption, enabling them to utilise Here & Dare’s connections and expertise to provide customers with a fast and seamless solution.  

Speaking of the partnership, Here & Dare CEO Joao Moura states “We share a strong commitment for delivering seamless travel solutions and this collaboration is a natural fit for CMAC to advance its service delivery across Portugal. Here & Dare look forward to supporting CMAC and its clients as we prepare to welcome tourists to our country once more.”  

In 2019, CMAC accelerated its international expansion with the acquisition of Spanish based Aircinks Solutions. Slater and Moura will continue to work closely with Aircinks founder Jordi Llopis to strengthen CMACs presence across Europe.  

CMAC Group moves almost two million passengers a year, many of which also require accommodation before reaching their final destination.  

CMAC has a history of being involved with large-scale rescues of stranded holidaymakers across Europe, with natural disasters often the cause.  

In 2019, CMAC was recognised for its involvement in repatriating almost 40,000 passengers following the collapse of Thomas Cook alongside its client the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).