Asian Trails, whose head office is based in Bangkok, is active in seven countries. The acquisition underlines Kuoni Group's expansion strategy in destination management and further strengthens its position in Asia.

Kuoni Travel Holding Co, one of the world leading travel organisations, will integrate Asian Trails as a separate company into its Asia & Destination Management business unit. Asian Trails' four-person management team, headed by Luzi Matzig with senior managers Laurent Kuenzle, Jacques Guichandut and Roger Haumueller, will continue to be responsible for the Asian Trails unit and its positive development.

Asian Trails was founded in 1999. With its 400 employees Asian Trails is expected to generate a turnover of US$60 million (Bt2.28 billion) in 2006. All employees continue to work for Asian Trails. The parties have agreed not to disclose any information about the purchase price.

Matzig said that the transaction was very positive for the future growth of the Asian Trails Group through its synergies with the worldwide Kuoni Destination Management network and would assure sustainability for the future, especially in the increasingly important online area.

Rolf Schafroth, managing director of Destination Management at Kuoni, said Kuoni was already very well established in Asia.

"With this acquisition, which fits our strategy perfectly, we can add to our strong sales presence in destination management in Southeast Asia by entering the fast-growing inbound market," he said.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation