DERTOUR Group expands its destination portfolio in Italy through the finalisation of a joint venture with long‑standing partner Valentour. The joint venture combines DER Viaggi, DERTOUR Group’s established Destination Management Company (DMC) in Italy, with Valentour, a highly specialised DMC with a strong footprint in Calabria, Sicily and Apulia. Together, the partners will create a unique setup offering comprehensive DMC coverage for all destinations south of Lake Garda from a single source.
Strategic expansion in Italy
Until now, DER Viaggi’s operational focus has been on Rome, Sardinia and the Gulf of Naples. The new joint venture will substantially extend this geographic reach and strengthen DERTOUR Group’s positioning in Southern Italy. A particular strategic focus will be placed on Calabria, a destination that continues to grow in importance for the Group. This development is supported by a rising number of DERTOUR Group hotel openings in the region, including brands such as Aldiana, Sentido and ananea.
One platform for group and third-party business
The joint venture is designed to serve the entire DERTOUR Group tour operator portfolio, including brands such as Kuoni and Exim, while at the same time significantly expanding the third-party business. By combining complementary strengths, local expertise and shared systems, the partners aim to create a scalable, future-proof DMC platform with an extensive national coverage.
Patrizio Appolloni, Managing Director of DER Viaggi, comments: “We share the same long-term vision, as well as a deep passion for this job and a firm belief in customer centricity.”
Deborah Valente, Managing Partner of Valentour, adds: “This joint venture marks a milestone for Valentour. Together with DERTOUR Group, we are creating a powerful platform that brings together deep regional knowledge and operational excellence. Especially for Southern Italy and Calabria, this partnership opens up new opportunities for sustainable growth and international reach.”
“Italy is one of our most important destinations. By joining forces with Valentour, we are establishing a strong, integrated DMC structure that covers almost the entire country. This joint venture will allow us to even better serve our Group brands, strengthen our third-party business and unlock significant growth potential in key regions such as Calabria”, Dr. Klaus-Ulrich Sperl, CEO Destination Management Companies, concludes.
Information about the joint venture partners
DER Viaggi was founded in 1954 as DERTOUR Group’s first international branch and today is a well-established DMC with strong expertise in cultural trips, groups and FIT travel.
Valentour, founded in 2001, has developed into a leading DMC in Southern Italy, with longstanding relationships across international tour operators and a strong operational infrastructure in Calabria, Sicily and Apulia.
Media contact
Corporate Communications
t:+49 69 9588-8000
presse@dertour.com
Hintergrund:
Die DERTOUR Group mit Sitz in Köln ist die Reisesparte der REWE Group. Sie zählt zu den führenden Reisekonzernen in Europa. Unter das Dach der DERTOUR Group gehören rund 200 Unternehmen. Sie beschäftigt rund 15.000 Mitarbeitende weltweit. Jährlich verreisen Millionen Gäste mit einem ihrer Reiseveranstalter oder Spezialisten. Zur DERTOUR Group zählen u. a. die Veranstalter DERTOUR, ITS, Meiers Weltreisen, Kuoni, Helvetic Tours, ITS Coop Travel, Billa Reisen, Koning Aap, Apollo, Exim Tours und Fischer, rund 2.000 Reisebüros (u. a. DERTOUR, DERPART, Kuoni, Exim, Fischer sowie Franchise- und Kooperationspartner), Hotelmarken wie Sentido, Aldiana und ananea sowie das Online-Reiseportal Prijsvrij Vakanties. Auch vor Ort ist die DERTOUR Group für ihre Gäste aktiv: Mit 71 Büros ist das konzerneigene Agenturnetzwerk in 31 Reiseländern präsent. Die Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter der Zielgebietsagenturen betreuen die Gäste der DERTOUR Group von der Ankunft bis zum Abflug am Urlaubsort. Weitere Informationen finden Sie auf www.dertour-group.com.