11/08/2019 16:59

German operators get stronger in Russia

[IMG=18111-3583] Two largest German travel concerns, TUI и LTU Touristik (part of REWE holding), intend to extend their presence on Russian market: this week both structures reported concluding new partner agreements with native companies. Saint-Petersburg company ‘Riviera’ fell within the arena of TUI (or TMR, its joint venture with ‘Mostravel’ tour operator) interests. Official press conference devoted to cooperation of two companies takes place on Wednesday, October 19. However, Vadim Lezhnin, ‘Riviera’ company president, told our reporter about details of the deal: «For the present agreement on strategic partnership is signed, it presumes possibility for TMR (TUI Mostravel Russia) to buy out control stock of ‘Riviera’ company authorized capital in 4 years. Rabson Mamedov, ‘Mostravel’ director general, for his part, denoted his company’s aims in this way: ‘Riviera’s authority in regions will allow us to enlarge regional network’. Operators interviewed by BANKO reporter note that such succession of events was foretold long ago. Market experts spoke about TUI seeking a second partner in Russia several months ago, and ‘Riviera’s name was mentioned in that context even then. As Neriman Tashchi, deputy director GTI Travel, supposed that this new partnership speaks of TNR’s interest to new charter programs from regions. Second partner agreement is between ‘I-Tours’(official representative of LTU Touristik in Russia) and ‘Touralliance’ (see the News for 10/17). The essence of this agreement is different: ‘TourAlliance’ announced purchase of 27% ‘I-Tours’ shares and thus entered the holding of German company thus assuming responsibility in advancing its product. Moreover, as was said in the press conference organized by both parties on October 17, in near future ‘Touralliance’ administration representatives might enter ‘I-Tours’ administration. ‘We are also planning to reduce operator programs, engage in FIT and VIP travel only, and develop retail sales,’ says Alexander Komarinskiy, head of directors board, ‘Touralliance’. The market took new partnership guardedly. ‘Both companies started their activities loudly,’ marks Alexey Sergeyechev, ‘IntAero’ vice president. ‘But the plans declared were not fulfilled. It is unlikely anything will change this time.’