Ponant and Aqua Expeditions
By Anne Kalosh
Ponant Explorations bought a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, a little gem of a company with very intimate ships and unusual ocean and river itineraries in biodiversity hotspots.
Destinations include the Galápagos, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands, the Mekong and the Peruvian Amazon.
Views from the sundeck of Aqua Mekong. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions
This further broadens Ponant’s already wide range of destinations and experiences, spanning from the polar regions to the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Central and South America, French Polynesia (where Paul Gauguin is the resident ship), Asia and Australia’s Kimberley.
It also means Ponant can now offer river cruises.
Backed by Ponant’s parent, Artémis Group, the French billionaire Pinault family’s investment company, the acquisition will enable Aqua Expeditions to continue expanding globally and to grow as a destination specialist.
The charismatic Aqua founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro will remain as a shareholder when Ponant and Aqua Expeditions join forces. And along with his senior management team, he will continue to lead the company as a stand-alone business unit.
Francesco Galli Zugaro began his luxury travel career in the Galápagos. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions
Pivotal Time
This acquisition comes at a pivotal time as Aqua Expeditions ramps up the launch of its East Africa itineraries that explore the Seychelles and Tanzania, with a particular focus on the Aldabra Atoll, home to the world’s largest giant tortoise population and amazing marine life.
Galli called joining forces with Ponant and having the support of Artémis Group a “remarkable opportunity for Aqua Expeditions. Partnering with another family-owned business ensures we maintain a heritage of luxury in our brand,” he said.
Aqua Expeditions will be expanding to East Arfrica in 2025, visiting destinations including the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar. * Photos: Aqua Expeditions
Growth While Maintaining Core Values
“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.”
Ponant Explorations Group CEO Hervé Gastinel welcomed Aqua Expeditions into the fold.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury sector,” he said. “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.”
Other Artémis Group holdings include Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and auction house Christie’s; Pinault Collection, the world’s largest private collection of contemporary art; Artémis Domaines, encompassing exclusive wine estates, including Château Latour; and Creative Artists Agency, a leading entertainment and sports agency.
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