Tony Loeb

🛫 Alitalia's logo, acquired by Ita for €80 million, is set to re-emerge on the global stage, as confirmed by both the Italian Government and partner Lufthansa. Ita's President Sandro Pappalardo, despite unclear plans for the old brand, along with new CEO Joerg Eberhart, aims to enhance the airline's value. Ita will transition from Skyteam to Star Alliance, concluding its affiliation with Skyteam by the end of May. The move is expected to aid in reaching break-even by leveraging the new alliance's potential for growth in long-haul routes.

🏖️ Kel 12, a tour operating brand, acquires Il Tucano Viaggi Ricerca, a Turin-based operator specializing in cultural travel. Aimed at strengthening Kel 12's position in cultural tourism, Il Tucano maintains its Turin office and team. CEO Gianluca Rubino emphasizes strategic value and commitment to quality offerings with unique itineraries. Il Tucano was founded in 1968 by Willy Fassio, starting with expeditions in the Amazon along the Orinoco River.

🌎 Europa World launches its first monographic catalog showcasing the "new Tunisia" as a safe and culturally rich destination. From January 1, 2025, all travelers to Tunisia must have a passport valid for at least three months. The catalog covers the March 2025/2026 season, offering trips for groups of 2 to 25 people and individual travels. It includes various tours like "Tunisia oases and Roman cities" (8 days) and "Mini tour of the Sahara Desert and surroundings" (6 days). Tunisair and Ita Airways help limit market price increases, currently around 10%. Noteworthy is Marco Peci, Quality Group's Commercial and Marketing Director, highlighting the desert's ancient culture covering 40% of Tunisia and the reopening of the Bardo Museum in Tunis. The new itineraries from Europa World also include multidimensional experiences, with extended departure calendars and travel times under three hours. Two fam trips and thematic events are planned to increase Tunisia's tourism numbers within three years.

💰 Unipol Group is considering selling its hospitality branch, UNA Hotels, for an estimated value of around €1 billion. Advised by Goldman Sachs, the potential sale will involve selected invitations to bidders, with interest expected from both domestic investors and international entities. Blackstone, Starwood Capital, and Sixth Street are among the named potential offerents, with expressions of interest anticipated shortly.