By
Rebecca Gibson |
Ponant Explorations Group has acquired a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, which operates river and ocean expeditions in South America, Southeast Asia and other regions of the world.
Aqua Expeditions operates small ships to destinations such as the Spice Island, the Galápagos Islands, the Peruvian Amazon River, the Mekong River, and Raja Ampat, Komodo and the Spice Islands in Indonesia. Being acquired being Ponant Explorations Group, which is backed by investment company Artémis Group and operates luxury expedition cruises, will enable Aqua Expeditions to grow as a “destination specialist”. It will also allow the brand to continue expanding to new regions of the world, for example by helping to “ramp up” the launch of its East Africa itineraries to the Aldabra islands, Seychelles and Tanzania.
“Joining forces with Ponant Explorations Group and having the support of the Artémis Group is a remarkable opportunity for Aqua Expeditions,” said Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions. “Partnering with another family-owned business ensures we maintain a heritage of luxury in our brand. 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.”
Aqua Expeditions will continue to operate as a standalone business unit and be led by Galli and the existing senior management team.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury sector,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group. “It reflects our commitment to offering unparalleled travel experiences in iconic destinations such as the Galápagos and now also river journeys, while preserving the natural beauty of the places we explore. 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.”