Ponant Explorations Group Acquires Aqua Expeditions
A major alliance in the world of luxury cruises marks a new era of exploration and sustainability. Ponant Explorations Group has acquired a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, an award-winning company specializing in river and ocean cruises.
With this move, Ponant not only expands its portfolio of exclusive experiences but also paves the way for a greener and more global future, strengthening its commitment to sustainable luxury. Covering destinations from the Galápagos to Papua New Guinea, as well as the Mekong River and the Amazon, Aqua Expeditions is synonymous with luxury adventure in some of the world’s most remote and unspoiled locations.
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This acquisition, backed by Artémis Group, the investment arm of the Pinault family, is more than just a strategic expansion of Aqua Expeditions’ global reach. It is also an opportunity to further elevate Ponant’s offerings in the luxury cruise sector. Both companies share the same vision of sustainability and environmental respect, with a focus on preserving the destinations they visit while providing extraordinary travel experiences.
Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions, will remain a shareholder and will continue to lead the company, which will operate independently under its own brand. This ensures the continuity of excellence that has made Aqua Expeditions a top name in high-end expedition cruising. The partnership with Ponant also opens up new opportunities, such as the launch of itineraries in East Africa, with a special focus on the Seychelles and Tanzania, highlighting the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Islands.
Galli Zugaro commented that joining forces with Ponant Explorations Group and receiving the backing of Artémis Group represents an extraordinary opportunity for Aqua Expeditions. He added that partnering with another family-owned company ensures the continuity of Aqua Expeditions’ luxury heritage. With the financial support and expertise of its new partners, Aqua Expeditions is now in a strong position to continue its growth and provide guests with unforgettable travel experiences in some of the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions, all while staying true to the company’s core values.
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Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, expressed Ponant’s enthusiasm in welcoming Aqua Expeditions into the Ponant family. He emphasized that this partnership aligns perfectly with Ponant’s vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury travel industry. Gastinel highlighted that the acquisition reflects Ponant’s commitment to offering unique travel experiences in iconic destinations, such as the Galápagos, and now river expeditions, with a strong focus on preserving the natural beauty of the places they explore. He also praised Francesco Galli Zugaro’s remarkable success over the past 18 years, building a unique brand that has left an indelible mark on the world of experiential travel.
With this acquisition, Ponant Explorations Group and Aqua Expeditions embark on a shared journey to further strengthen their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional travel experiences. By combining their expertise and resources, the two companies promise to take travelers to the most fascinating and untouched destinations on Earth, making each journey an opportunity to discover, explore, and most importantly, respect our planet.
In a world that increasingly values sustainability and authenticity, this alliance represents a decisive step toward a new era of luxury exploration.
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