Kuoni acquires Desert Adventures Tourism of Dubai

• NEWS
• TRADE FAIRS
• PRODUCT IDEAS
• ARCHIVE ENEWS

Kuoni acquires Desert Adventures Tourism of Dubai

Kuoni is pressing ahead with its acquisition strategy. With effect from 1 July 2008, Kuoni Travel

build up its position in this important tourism region.

Desert Adventures Tourism was founded in 1997 in Dubai. The company expects to post sales of

around CHF 100 million for the 2007/08 financial year, which ends on 30 June. The company's

150 staff will keep their jobs and the existing management team will continue to have

responsibility for the company's positive development. The parties have agreed not to divulge the

purchase price. Within the Kuoni Group, Desert Adventures Tourism will be integrated into the

Strategic Business Division Destinations, though the brand name is being retained.

Desert Adventures Tourism is one of the leading providers of destination management services in

the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The company is also active in Qatar and Bahrain. Desert

Adventures Tourism offers local services for both leisure and business travel. "Desert Adventures

Tourism has achieved significant growth over the last financial year, and together with the

employees and existing management we intend to accelerate this growth still further," said Rolf

Schafroth, Kuoni Group's Head of Strategic Business Division Destinations, at a press conference

in Dubai.

This acquisition significantly expands Kuoni's presence in this important tourism region. Kuoni

Destination Management opened its first sales office in Dubai in 2001. Then in 2006 it built up its

own destination management company. These activities are now being merged with Desert

Adventures Tourism.

"With its high quality services, Desert Adventures Tourism fits perfectly with our growth strategy,"

commented Max E. Katz, CFO and Speaker of the Group Executive Board. (peb)