Fusioni & Acquisizioni

📌 Avis Budget Group unveiled new products and offers at the 61st TTG Travel Experience in Rimini. Agencies can benefit from a 20% commission with Avis's Promo OverCommission or a 10% commission on Avis Flex. Maggiore introduced a specialized booking platform and line, providing constant assistance through a dedicated reservations center, Account Manager, and Sales Support Team.

🍕 Cigierre, an Italian leader in casual dining and franchising, highlights its strength at the Salone Franchising Milano. The company has nearly 60 franchisees with over 150 franchised locations. Old Wild West, a key brand, boasts over 260 outlets, with 20 internationally. Pizzikotto, with a recent opening in France, plans further expansion by 2025. Cigierre aims to open over 20 Smashie outlets in the next two years, targeting malls and urban areas.

🍜 Kioene, Italian leader in plant-based foods since 1988, dominates with its famous Mini Burger with spinach and caters to over 2.3 million families. Introducing a new tomato and olive Mini Burger recipe, Kioene aims to expand its market presence. Committed to quality and sustainability, the brand boasts a 30% market share and is a private label partner. The product line expansion is part of a strategy to attract diverse taste preferences and ensure a balance of flavor and nutrition.

✈ Qatar Airways proposes to acquire 25% of Virgin Australia's shares, aiming to reintegrate long-haul flights for the airline after their 2020 halt. Virgin Australia's CEO Jayne Hrdlicka suggests this would enhance competition, offer cheaper fares, and create more jobs. The acquisition could position Qatar Airways as a strong competitor against Qantas on international routes, pending regulatory approval.

✈️ Dan Air and Spazio GSA launched a partnership today, introducing new air connections between Italy and Romania. Spazio's Commercial Director, Francesco Veneziano, envisions expanding sales and Dan Air's brand in Italy. The network includes a Bacau-Torino route with two weekly flights, increasing to three during Christmas and new December routes to Rome, Bergamo, and Bologna. Dan Air CEO Matt Ian David highlights Spazio's experience ensuring efficient market success.

🗺 Italy remains a key market for Seychelles, maintaining its position as the fourth largest source of tourists for the archipelago after Germany, France, and Russia, with approximately 14,000 arrivals in the first nine months, matching the performance of 2023. Danielle Di Gianvito, the Marketing Representative of Tourism Seychelles in Italy, alongside Bernadette Willemin, the General Marketing Director, confirms the destination's appeal for exclusive experiences. Future prospects look positive, bolstered by cultural events like the Festival Kreol and the resumption of flights.

📍 Ita Airways is exiting SkyTeam smoothly and plans to join Star Alliance within 12 to 18 months. Antonino Turicchi, President of Ita Airways, ensures a seamless transition for customers. The loyalty program, Volare, with 2.45 million members, 64% of whom are Italian, will continue regularly. CEO Emiliana Limosani mentions the growth of commercial partnerships from 34 to 41 by year-end, highlighting a program for frequent flyers aged 2 to 16, which gained 6,000 members in a few months.

💰 Acqua Sant'Anna, a leader in mineral water, acquires French company La Compagnie Des Pyrénées (LCDP), owner of Eau Neuve brand. The merger aims to create synergies and preserve Eau Neuve's identity and local community ties. Supported by Scouting Capital & Family Advisors for financial consulting and PwC for legal due diligence, the acquisition strengthens Acqua Sant'Anna's presence in the French market and aligns with their international expansion strategy. Sebastien Crussol of LCDP remains a partner and General Manager.

🏕 Kel 12, an Italian tour operator led by CEO Gianluca Rubino, held a convention in Pompeii at Habita79 MGallery. The event gathered over 80 travel agents and partners including Trenitalia, Saudi Tourism Authority, and others. Kel 12 reported a €30 million turnover and 5000 passengers (+8%) at fiscal year-end in September. The company offers four product lines and announced the acquisition of Al Koor Tourism and the establishment of Kel 12 Egypt. The convention highlighted the return of "Rendez-Vous" events and the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela for which Kel 12 will provide a tented camp for 12 groups.

🏡 Matteo Lunelli, President of Altagamma, highlights the steady growth of the luxury sector, particularly in experiential luxury, despite a slowdown in personal luxury goods. According to a study by the Altagamma Foundation with Bain & Company, in Italy, high-end tourism accounts for 2-3% of total accommodations but generates 25% of the overall tourism revenue, emphasizing the spending power of high-end travelers. Lunelli stresses the importance of continuous investment in the strategic development and repositioning of Italy’s tourism to maintain its international appeal.