PONANT has plotted a course for a more diverse small ship offering across river, polar and ocean cruising, purchasing a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions (TD breaking news).
The strategic investment backed by Artemis Group will see the luxury French cruise brand expand its reach in markets such as the Galapagos, Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands, the Mekong River, and the Peruvian Amazon.
Importantly, Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro will remain in the role alongside his senior management team, and the company will also continue to operate as a standalone business under Aqua Expeditions.
Both brands enjoy a range of key synergies in cruising, including a strong focus on small ship luxury, sustainability, and adventurous land excursions.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury sector,” Ponant Explorations Group CEO Herve Gastinel said.
“We are deeply impressed with the exceptional company that Francesco has built over the past 18 years and the unique brand he has developed in the experiential travel space,” he added.
The benefits of the acquisition for Aqua Expeditions will be many and varied, with the deal likely to open opportunities to bolster its current expansion strategy in regions such as east Africa (TD 11 Sep 2024), elevate its luxury offerings, and create possible cross-sell opportunities for pax booking on both products.
“With the financial support and expertise from our partners, we are well-positioned to continue our growth and offer our guests unforgettable journeys to the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions while maintaining our core brand values,” Zugaro said.
Last year, Aqua Expeditions struck a deal with Flight Centre Travel Group to become a preferred supplier (TD 02 Jul 2024), and FCTG has confirmed the acquisition has not impacted that agreement. AB
