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WARSCHAU, Polen, 5. September 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Die polnische eSky Group erwirbt einen der bekanntesten Namen in der Reisebranche—Thomas Cook. Die mit der chinesischen Fosun Tourism Group unterzeichnete Übernahmevereinbarung wird Thomas Cook ein deutliches Wachstum bescheren und es eSky ermöglichen, seine Position in Westeuropa zu stärken.

Thomas Cook, die älteste Reisemarke, bestätigte die Übernahme durch die polnische eSky Group, Eigentümer einer führenden Reiseplattform in Mittel- und Osteuropa. Der Deal verschafft Thomas Cook Zugang zum erstklassigen Flugangebot von eSky und unterstützt das weitere Wachstum des Unternehmens. Dies wiederum wird eSky den Weg in einen der am weitesten entwickelten Märkte Westeuropas ebnen.

Die eSky Group hat sich zur dominierenden Reiseplattform in der CEE-Region entwickelt und ist im Laufe der Jahre weltweit expandiert. Die Marken eSky und eDestinos sind in über 50 Ländern in ganz Europa, Amerika und Afrika tätig. Sie hat über 150 Millionen Kunden dabei geholfen, die entlegensten Ecken der Welt zu erreichen und Zugang zu über 550 Fluggesellschaften weltweit und 1,3 Millionen Hotels zu erhalten. Der Gewinn der eSky Group im Jahr 2023 überstieg 19 Mio. EUR – ein Anstieg von 42 % gegenüber dem Vorjahr und fast das Dreifache von 2019.

“Die Synergie des Markenerbes von Thomas Cook mit unserer Technologie wird das Wachstum von Thomas Cook vorantreiben und es uns ermöglichen, die Position von eSky in Westeuropa zu stärken. Diese Akquisition ist Teil unserer Strategie, vom reinen Verkauf von Flügen zum Angebot von Pauschalreisen in unseren bestehenden Märkten in Europa und Lateinamerika zu diversifizieren und weiter nach Westeuropa zu expandieren,” sagt Łukasz Habaj, CEO der eSky Group.

“Der Abschluss dieser Transaktion wird unserem Unternehmen erhebliche Mittel zur Verfügung stellen, während wir die Marke neu aufbauen und das Wachstum des Unternehmens beschleunigen. Durch die Kombination der Stärke unserer dynamischen Verpackungstechnologie und unseres Urlaubs-Know-hows mit dem Fluginventar, dem Performance-Marketing und der technischen Stärke von eSky sind wir zuversichtlich, dass wir ein beeindruckendes europäisches Reiseunternehmen schaffen werden,” ergänzt Alan French, CEO von Thomas Cook Tourism.

Seit 2022 investiert eSky stark in Städtereise- und Urlaubspakete, die einen Eckpfeiler der Geschäftstransformation von einer Flugplattform zu einem virtuellen Reiseveranstalter darstellen. Die eSky Group beschäftigt über 800 Mitarbeiter – darunter ein internes Entwicklungsteam von über 190 Personen – und ist teilweise im Besitz des börsennotierten Private-Equity-Fonds MCI.

WARSAW, Poland, Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Polish eSky Group acquires one of the most recognisable names in travel—Thomas Cook. The acquisition agreement signed with Chinese Fosun Tourism Group will spur significant growth for Thomas Cook and allow eSky to strengthen its position in Western Europe.

Thomas Cook, the oldest travel brand, confirmed it has been acquired by Polish eSky Group, owner of a leading travel platform in Central and Eastern Europe. The deal will provide Thomas Cook with access to eSky’s superior flight inventory and will support its continued growth. This in turn will pave the way for eSky to enter one of the most developed markets in Western Europe.

eSky Group has become the dominant travel platform in the CEE region and over the years has expanded across the world. eSky and eDestinos brands operates in 50+ countries across Europe, the Americas, and Africa. It has helped over 150 million customers reach the farthest corners of the globe, accessing over 550 airlines globally and 1.3 million hotels. eSky Group’s 2023 profits surpassed EUR 19m – up 42% YoY and nearly three times the level of 2019.

“The synergy of Thomas Cook’s brand heritage with our technology will drive Thomas Cook’s growth and allow us to strengthen eSky’s position in Western Europe. This acquisition is part of our strategy to diversify from just selling flights to offering package holidays across our existing markets in Europe and Latin America, as well as expand further into Western Europe,” says Łukasz Habaj, CEO of eSky Group.

“The completion of this transaction will inject significant funding into our business as we rebuild the brand and accelerate the growth of this company. By combining the strength of our dynamic packaging technology and holiday know-how with the flight inventory, performance marketing and technical strength of eSky, we are confident we will create a formidable European travel business,” adds Alan French, Thomas Cook Tourism’s CEO.

Since 2022, eSky has been heavily investing in City Break and Holiday packages that are a cornerstone of business transformation from a flight platform into a Virtual Tour Operator. eSky Group has over 800 employees – including an in-house development team of over 190 people – and is part-owned by listed private equity fund MCI.

VARSOVIE, Pologne, 5 septembre 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Le groupe polonais eSky acquiert un nom emblématique du voyage, Thomas Cook. Cet accord signé avec le groupe chinois Fosun Tourism stimulera la croissance de Thomas Cook et permettra à eSky de renforcer sa position en Europe de l’Ouest.

Thomas Cook, le plus ancien voyagiste, a annoncé son acquisition par eSky Group, leader des plateformes de voyage en Europe centrale et orientale. Cette opération donnera à Thomas Cook accès à l’inventaire de vols d’eSky et soutiendra sa croissance. En parallèle, elle permettra à eSky de se lancer sur le marché très développé de l’Europe de l’Ouest.

eSky est désormais le leader des plateformes de voyage en Europe, avec une présence internationale croissante. Sous les marques eSky et eDestinos, elle couvre plus de 50 pays en Europe, Amérique et Afrique. Avec plus de 150 millions de clients satisfaits, eSky donne accès à 550 compagnies aériennes et 1,3 million d’hôtels dans le monde entier. En 2023, le groupe a enregistré des bénéfices de plus de 19 millions d’euros, en hausse de 42 % par rapport à l’année précédente, près de trois fois le niveau de 2019.

« La synergie entre l’héritage de la marque Thomas Cook et notre technologie propulsera sa croissance et renforcera notre position en Europe de l’Ouest. Cette acquisition fait partie de notre stratégie de diversification, en passant de la vente de billets d’avion à la proposition de séjours tout compris sur nos marchés en Europe et en Amérique latine, tout en poursuivant notre expansion en Europe de l’Ouest », déclare Łukasz Habaj, PDG du groupe eSky.

« La finalisation de cette transaction apportera des fonds significatifs, propulsant notre marque et boostant notre croissance. En fusionnant notre technologie de packaging dynamique, notre savoir-faire en vacances avec l’inventaire de vols, et la puissance technique et marketing d’eSky, nous sommes persuadés de devenir un leader incontournable du voyage en Europe. », ajoute Alan French, PDG de Thomas Cook Tourism.

Depuis 2022, eSky investit massivement dans les séjours en ville et les forfaits vacances, transformant ainsi sa plateforme en un voyagiste en ligne. Avec plus de 800 employés, dont une équipe de développement de 190 personnes, eSky est également partiellement soutenu par le fonds de capital-investissement MCI.

WARSAW, Poland, Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Polish eSky Group acquires one of the most recognisable names in travel—Thomas Cook. The acquisition agreement signed with Chinese Fosun Tourism Group will spur significant growth for Thomas Cook and allow eSky to strengthen its position in Western Europe.

Thomas Cook, the oldest travel brand, confirmed it has been acquired by Polish eSky Group, owner of a leading travel platform in Central and Eastern Europe. The deal will provide Thomas Cook with access to eSky’s superior flight inventory and will support its continued growth. This in turn will pave the way for eSky to enter one of the most developed markets in Western Europe.

eSky Group has become the dominant travel platform in the CEE region and over the years has expanded across the world. eSky and eDestinos brands operates in 50+ countries across Europe, the Americas, and Africa. It has helped over 150 million customers reach the farthest corners of the globe, accessing over 550 airlines globally and 1.3 million hotels. eSky Group’s 2023 profits surpassed EUR 19m – up 42% YoY and nearly three times the level of 2019.

“The synergy of Thomas Cook’s brand heritage with our technology will drive Thomas Cook’s growth and allow us to strengthen eSky’s position in Western Europe. This acquisition is part of our strategy to diversify from just selling flights to offering package holidays across our existing markets in Europe and Latin America, as well as expand further into Western Europe,” says Łukasz Habaj, CEO of eSky Group.

“The completion of this transaction will inject significant funding into our business as we rebuild the brand and accelerate the growth of this company. By combining the strength of our dynamic packaging technology and holiday know-how with the flight inventory, performance marketing and technical strength of eSky, we are confident we will create a formidable European travel business,” adds Alan French, Thomas Cook Tourism’s CEO.

Since 2022, eSky has been heavily investing in City Break and Holiday packages that are a cornerstone of business transformation from a flight platform into a Virtual Tour Operator. eSky Group has over 800 employees – including an in-house development team of over 190 people – and is part-owned by listed private equity fund MCI.

SOURCE eSky Group

BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time raised the principles of “zhen shi qin cheng” for China’s Africa policy in a speech at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in Tanzania, meaning sincerity, real results, amity and good faith.

Many years have passed since that momentous day in the history of China–Africa ties, but the principles endure.

They have not only underpinned China’s engagement with Africa in numerous fruitful cooperation projects, but also helped people get closer and closer through exchanges and deepening friendships.

As part of our special coverage of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Global Times Life Desk discovered some of these warm stories involving subjects such as cultural exchanges and joint biodiversity conservation that benefit China and Africa’s friendship across mountains and seas.

In the northeastern corner of Beijing sits a red mansion with a statue of a yellow giraffe that stands out quite a bit. This is the African Cultural and Tourism Center.

As one steps through the entrance, the rich aroma of coffee envelops the senses. The source is a nearby coffee bar proudly displaying beans sourced from Ethiopia and Kenya.

The exhibits in the center feature wooden and stone carvings from various nations, ostrich eggs, a dazzling array of jewelry and some artworks made of Tanzanian sapphires and Zambian emeralds. Many of the unique handicrafts on display are the result of the meticulous work of African homemakers, who create these exquisite pieces after their daily chores to supplement their family’s income.

Feng Xinxin, the 42-year-old founder of the center, shares her insights with visitors. “Africans are known for their innate dancing and artistic talents, and while there may be less written documentation about them, their art – be it paintings, wood carvings, or stone sculptures – is abundant and rich in cultural significance.”

“I want people who come here to see, hear, touch, and taste the essence of Africa,” Feng said, expressing her desire to broaden people’s perspectives of the continent.

Since its opening in September 2021, the African Cultural and Tourism Center has become more than just a cultural venue; it’s a hub for emotional exchanges and challenging preconceived notions about Africa. It has also become a tourism promotion center for Uganda.

Feng notes that Chinese visitors to the center often have a similar reaction to her own upon first visiting Africa, acknowledging the limited understanding they have of the continent. In contrast, African visitors, mostly officials and embassy staff, are deeply moved by the center’s efforts to promote their culture.

The mansion, covering hundreds of square meters, has become a bridge across mountains and seas connecting Chinese with African people.

“Let us build a China–Africa ­community with a shared future that enjoys cultural prosperity,” said President Xi Jinping in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2018 ­Beijing Summit of FOCAC, also foreseeing that the bond between the people of China and Africa will be further strengthened with more people-to-people exchanges in culture and art, education and sports, and between China–Africa think tanks, the media, women and young people.

Thanks to the top-level design and driven by joint support from China–Africa policies, more “corridors” like the center have been built by China and Africa.

More than 30 cultural institutions from 10 African countries have joined the Silk Road international alliance in different fields, including theaters, museums, arts festivals and libraries. Diverse events such as the China-Africa Youth Festival, the ­Forum on China-Africa Local Government Cooperation, the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum and the China-Africa People’s Forum have been successfully held.

The two sides have been increasing the number of sister cities. Thirty-four African ­countries and ­territories have gained Approved Destination Status for organized tours of Chinese citizens, and 60 Africa-related cultural, sports and tourism programs have been launched by China, Chinese Foreign ­Minister Wang Yi noted at the Eighth Ministerial Conference of The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2021.

Convergence of ancient civilizations

The fruitful results of China–Africa exchanges have boosted the confidence of African participants in the 2024 Summit of the FOCAC to be held in Beijing from Wednesday to Friday.

David Monyae, director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg and one of the participants of the summit, told the Global Times that the theme of the summit, “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” is an excellent theme that was developed to go with the times, celebrate friendship and chart the way forward for cooperation.

“This theme is critical for both China and the African continent as well as the Global South,” said Monyae.

Monyae noted that after the summit, relations between Africa and China are sure to deepen as more ordinary people learn about each other’s culture and people become more involved in bilateral businesses ties.

Looking back at history, the confidence in China and Africa’s closer relationship and deeper exchanges is rooted in the convergent parts of ancient civilizations, experts concluded.

The exhibition On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt, the largest of its kind held outside Egypt in the past 20 years, is being held at the Shanghai Museum. Despite the scorching summer heat in the city, there has been a long line of visitors queuing up in front of the museum.

Among the 788 exhibits spanning various periods of ancient Egypt, over 95 percent are on display in Asia for the first time. From statues of pharaohs and anthropoid inner coffins to exquisite gold jewelry, these meticulously curated and beautifully presented artifacts have the power to transport Chinese visitors to the enchanting world of ancient Egypt.

The exhibition is being co-hosted by the Shanghai Museum and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) of Egypt. Egyptian co-curator Raafat Genady spoke of the similarities between the ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations, saying that there may have been a lot of communication, exchanges and trading between the two nations starting from a long time ago.

“I think that the two cultures actually have many elements in common and it will be wonderful for the people of China to view Egyptian artifacts as they will resonate with them. It would also be marvelous for the different aesthetics to be shared. There is a Chinese group excavating in Egypt, and I think that there is an increase in interest in ancient Egypt in China,” Egyptologist Salima Ikram from the American University in Cairo told the Global Times.

Ikram, who has recruited Chinese students, said that the stunning shared parts of ancient Chinese and African civilizations should be passed down to influence younger generations, who can work together to create a brighter future for China–Africa relations.

Shared future lies in young people

“The future of China–Africa relations lies in our young people,” said Xi, while addressing the opening ceremony of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the FOCAC.

Speeches at important occasions show that Xi values both the inheritance of the traditional China–Africa friendship and the cultural exchanges between Chinese and African youth.

When addressing the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit, Xi also expressed his confidence that the baton of China–Africa friendship would be passed from one generation to the next and that China and Africa, working together, would build an even more vibrant community with a shared future.

Over the years, many Chinese and African youth have contributed their energy and insights to the creation and preservation of rich cultural exchanges between the two sides.

One of them is Edwin Aira, a PhD student studying public policy in the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. During the summer vacation, he decided to be a volunteer at the African Cultural and Tourism Center as he also has a strong interest in art and is proud to introduce African culture to Chinese tourists.

“I try to showcase Kenyan culture through the Masai warriors by wearing traditional dress. I’m trying to show people how the Masai warriors live, the culture that, if they were to travel to Africa, they would meet because Kenya is one of the countries that still has the tribes that have not embraced modernity,” he said.

Solomon Mofe Aghaye, a 35-year-old student from Nigeria, is studying at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). He told the Global Times that he came to Beijing in December 2022.

“With the scholarships and professional development opportunities provided by China to thousands of African students in Chinese universities as well as the establishment of Confucius Institutes in several countries in Africa, there has been a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and language among African students,” he said.

Meanwhile, these initiatives have not just been one-sided. African cultural studies have been gaining steady attention in several Chinese universities, fostering two-way cultural understanding.

The PhD student has found that cultural exchanges and civilization dialogues in general offer a huge platform for education. Through exchanges, an individual is offered opportunities to experience the culture of others firsthand, thus enabling one’s appreciation for diverse ways of life and ideologies. Not only do such interactions enhance cultural understanding but also help in dismantling stereotypes, thereby allowing young people to see each other as partners instead of just members of distant societies.

China and Africa have always been part of a community with a shared future. The weighty discourse of this community can be reflected in a warm-hearted scene: An African volunteer at the African Cultural and Tourism Center introducing exhibits from his hometown to a Chinese preschool child, who stands there absorbed in the art and listening carefully.

SOURCE Global Times

VARSOVIA, Polonia, 5 de septiembre de 2024 /PRNewswire/ — El grupo polaco eSky Group ha comprado uno de los nombres más reconocibles en el sector de los viajes: Thomas Cook. El acuerdo con el grupo chino Fosun Tourism Group impulsará un crecimiento significativo de Thomas Cook y permitirá a eSky reforzar su posición en Europa Occidental.

Thomas Cook ha confirmado su adquisición por el grupo polaco eSky, propietario de una plataforma de viajes líder en Europa Central y Oriental. El acuerdo proporcionará a Thomas Cook acceso al inventario de vuelos de eSky y apoyará su crecimient. Esto allanará el camino para que eSky entre en uno de los mercados más desarrollados de Europa Occidental.

eSky Group es la plataforma de viajes dominante en la región de Europa Central y Oriental y opera con las marcas eSky y eDestinos en más de 50 países. Ha prestado servicio a más de 150 millones de clientes, con acceso a más de 550 aerolíneas y 1,3 millones de hoteles. Los beneficios de eSky Group en 2023 superaron los 19 millones de euros, con un aumento interanual del 42%

“La sinergia de la herencia de marca de Thomas Cook con nuestra tecnología impulsará el crecimiento de Thomas Cook y nos permitirá reforzar la posición de eSky en Europa Occidental. Esta adquisición forma parte de nuestra estrategia para diversificarnos y pasar de vender solo vuelos a ofrecer paquetes vacacionales en nuestros mercados actuales de Europa y Latinoamérica, así como expandirnos aún más en Europa Occidental”, ha dicho Łukasz Habaj, CEO de eSky Group.

“El cierre de esta transacción inyectará una importante financiación a nuestro negocio mientras reconstruimos la marca y aceleramos el crecimiento de esta empresa. Combinando la fuerza de nuestra dinámica tecnología de paquetes y nuestra experiencia vacacional con el inventario de vuelos, el marketing de resultados y la fortaleza técnica de eSky, estamos seguros de que crearemos un formidable negocio europeo de viajes”, ha añadido Alan French, CEO de Thomas Cook Tourism.

Desde 2022, eSky ha invertido en paquetes de escapadas urbanas y vacaciones, que son la piedra angular de la transformación del negocio de una plataforma de vuelos en un turoperador virtual. eSky Group tiene más de 800 empleados -incluido un equipo de desarrollo interno de más de 190 personas- y es propiedad en parte del fondo de capital riesgo cotizado MCI.