THE independent tour operator widely regarded as the pioneer in opening up the Asian market to Spanish tourists, Catai Tours, has reached an agreement to be taken over by one of the country’s most vertically-integrated travel groups.
“It will bring with it the continuity of the strategy and philosophy of Catai, and the integration of the human team in our global set up,” said a statement issued by buyers Barcelo Viajes.
Catai sends clients to more than 120 countries worldwide, but remains best known in the Spanish travel trade as a specialist in handling tailor-made journeys and packages to Asia.
Barcelo declined to comment on the future positioning of Catai before the deal is approved by authorities. “It was only agreed last week and it is too early to say more at this stage,” said its marketing director Mar Fernandez.
But Catai director general Fernando Sanchez stressed the company’s role as a longhaul specialist was what had interested Barcelo and that it would continue as such following the takeover.
“Catai was a pioneer in sending travellers to Asian countries in the ‘80s and our operations in that continent have grown year-on-year. It is in Asia where we started and where we have more than 35 years of experience,” added Sanchez.
“We will continue to stay on top of new markets and new routes for traditional destinations, as one of the things we bank on is innovation. Our philosophy and way of working is not going to change and Asia will continue to be a key market for us.”
