Kelly Tours has acquired Ionosphere Tours, expanding its reach in the Southeast and adding a new location in Anderson, South Carolina.
The acquisition strengthens Kelly Tours’ presence in the group travel industry while maintaining Ionosphere’s established reputation.
“This helps us expand the company and the Kelly Tours name, broaden what we have to offer, and adds another location to tours, charters, and overall growth,” said Martin Burdette, Vice President of Motorcoach Operations at Kelly Tours.
Ionosphere Tours, a family-owned company that describes itself as rooted in Christian values, will continue to operate and provide the same level of service, with familiar tour directors, drivers, and motor coaches remaining in place.
Kelly Tours, which has been in operation since 1996, is headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, with six satellite locations including Lula, Georgia, and now Anderson. The company operates a fleet of 64 motor coaches, including eight Prevost vehicles acquired through the Ionosphere purchase.
“We were blessed to be able to keep two of the original family members from Ionosphere,” Burdette said.
Lori Hartleroad, daughter of Ionosphere Tours co-founders David and Nancy Parham, and her husband, Daric Hartleroad, will remain actively involved in the business.
Expanded offerings
With this acquisition, Kelly Tours aims to expand its customer base and travel offerings. The company specializes in student and adult group tours, as well as sports team travel.
“We organize our own tours,” Burdette said. “We’ll go to the Colorado Rockies, and we have some tours that pick up in Chicago and Los Angeles to do the whole Route 66 experience.”
Kelly Tours also serves numerous college athletic teams, providing transportation for Georgia Southern University, Mercer University, and Charleston Southern University. The company also partners with sports travel broker Anthony Travel.
“For example, last week, we transported the LSU women’s basketball team to Columbia, South Carolina, for their game against the Gamecocks,” Burdette said.
With the addition of Ionosphere Tours, Kelly Tours continues its growth as one of the most experienced and expansive group travel providers in the southeastern United States. The company is preparing to launch an extensive catalog of tours for 2025 and beyond.
“We’re excited about the future and what this means for our customers,” Burdette said.
