Kuoni has acquired a French-based travel company with immediate effect ensuring the operators expansion into the premium and specialist travel segments. Les Ateliers du Voyage offers high priced travel products, and is well established in the French market. Since March 2006, Les Ateliers du Voyage has also had a sales outlet in Paris’s 7th Quarter, employing 15 staff.
A purchase price has not been disclosed for the company which generated turnover of €13 million last year. Kuoni intends to retain the many Les Ateliers du Voyage brands which include travel to Asia under the “Yoketai” brand, trips to South Africa under the “Grandeur Nature” brand, travel to Latin America under the “Arroyo” brand and unusual tours for small groups under its “Ananta” brand.
Kuoni Travel Ltd is the largest travel company in Switzerland, founded by Alfred Kuoni in 1906. Today Kuoni employs over 7,500 staff in 300 offices around the world. Since 1966, Kuoni has led the UK long haul tour operation market and in recent years has diversified into niche markets including Voyages Jules Verne, Travel Collection and Sport Abroad. Kuoni also expanded its portfolio in 2006 with the acquisition of the Journeys of Distinction and Kirker Holidays brands, broadening its grasp on quality travel products.
