DERTOUR Group

🏆 It's not every day you come across a travel consultant who races to victory on the track! We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Lionel Spitz, the fastest travel consultant in Switzerland. What sets Lionel apart? His exceptional prowess as a pro runner has not only seen him achieve remarkable success in the 400m category at world and European championships but also represent Switzerland at the Olympics in Paris. 🏅 To find out more about Lionel's incredible journey balancing life on the track and at the office, check out the interview below ⬇️ 🎙️Tell us about your experience at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. What were the highlights of your time competing in this year’s edition? 🗨️The event was very impressive, and it was an honour to represent Switzerland there. The atmosphere in the stadium, with 70,000 spectators, was unparalleled and the #OlympicVillage was great. 🎙️Tell us a fun fact about the Olympic Village. 🗨️As you've probably seen in the news, the bed was entirely made of cardboard. Despite being less comfortable than expected, it turned out to be much more stable and practically indestructible. 🎙️How did you prepare for competing in the #ParisOlympics2024? 🗨️I train between 7 and 10 times a week and spend about 2 months per year at training camps in preparation for the upcoming season. 🎙️What was the feedback from your colleagues at DERTOUR Suisse when you returned to work? 🗨️I received a lot of recognition and it felt great to have so many people from the company acknowledge my achievement, which was an amazing experience! 🎙️How do you juggle training and work? 🗨️Training is very time-consuming, but I have the military sports support and also the flexibility I get from the company is very important to lead this double life. 🎙️How has your participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics influenced your career and future goals? 🗨️This one is a difficult question, as being an Olympian is definitely a prestigious status symbol that can benefit my career. I remain highly driven in sports and would like to do even better at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. However, there are many upcoming highlights, including next year's World Championships in Tokyo. Despite participating in the Olympics, I understand the importance of staying dedicated and continuing to work hard to get where I want to be. 🏃 🎙️ Can you tell us about your travel experiences and your favourite destination(s)? 🗨️My passion for travel is well-supported through my trips, allowing me to visit about 30 different countries annually. Naturally, I love travelling. Personally, I am drawn to tropical destinations – warm weather, the sea, jungles, and palm trees are my favourites. With the season now over, I am eagerly anticipating my holiday in Madagascar 🇲🇬 🏝️.

Keeping up with the #APeekInside series, which takes you on an exploration of the diverse markets and brands that define #DERTOURGroup? 🌍✨We've got a new one for you: In today's quick-fire interview, we welcome Robbin de Waal, all-round marketer at Apollo Reizen, onderdeel van DERTOUR Group. 🎙️ How would you describe your job in 3 words? 💬 Collaborative, dynamic, engaging. 🎙️ Best aspect about your job? 💬 The best aspect of my job is the variety and the opportunity to collaborate with many different stakeholders, both within and outside the company. Apollo is new to the Dutch market, and as a result I enjoy the dynamic nature of my role and the chance to be a versatile problem-solver as we build our presence. 🎙️ What do you enjoy most about working at Apollo Reizen? 💬 The unique range of products we offer, such as Apollo Sports, which really sets us apart in the market. I also appreciate how helpful and collaborative my colleagues are, both in the Netherlands and in the Nordics. This supportive environment enhances my work experience and contributes to our collective success. 🎙️ Favourite office tradition? 💬 As a small and new team, we don’t have established traditions yet. However, one charming habit we've picked up is that our colleagues from the Nordics always bring chocolate when they visit. It’s a delightful surprise that’s always appreciated and adds a sweet touch to our team interactions. 🎙️ Tell us something about yourself that none of your colleagues know. 💬 As a Dutchy, it might not be surprising that I have a strong interest in personal finance. However, something only my direct colleagues know is that I host a small podcast on the topic and I am working on a larger project related to personal finance in my spare time. 🎙️ How do you spend your free time? 💬 In my free time, I mix working on my personal project with spending quality time with my girlfriend and our playful dog. I also enjoy reading, photography, meeting friends, and playing games. 🎙️ Favourite vacation spot. 💬 During my study abroad, I fell in love with Asia and still really enjoy travelling there. When I don't have time for long trips, I always have a great time in Portugal and at our Apollo Sport hotels. 😉 🔔 Stay tuned for more updates on our #APeekInside series showcasing the faces of DERTOUR Group! #DERTOURGroup #TrustedTravelTeam #APeekInside

🌟 We are pleased to announce that the DERTOUR Group has acquired the IT and digital development company ANIXE!🌟 This strategic move is set to bolster our digital and technological capabilities, paving the way for further content expansion. The acquisition, subject to antitrust clearance, marks a significant milestone for us as we strengthen our leading position in the travel sector.   Located in Wroclaw, Poland, Anixe specialises in technological distribution solutions for the travel industry, including the development of Software as a Service (SaaS) products for airlines, tour operators, OTAs, and travel agencies, as well as related customer support and consultancy services.   Joao Gonzaga, Chief Digital and Information Officer at the DERTOUR Group, explained: "The addition of the Anixe team strengthens our IT capabilities and complements our expertise. We’re really looking forward to working closely with the Anixe team in support of our distribution partners and keep raising the bar in the travel industry."   Stay tuned for further developments as we embark on this journey alongside Anixe, propelling our digital and technology expansion to new heights! #DERTOURGroup #AnixeAcquisition

✨ We're excited to introduce our next #10Faces partner in celebration of the DERTOUR Foundation's 10-year anniversary. Today, we celebrate the remarkable work of the Pimali Association and its impact on the lives of disadvantaged youth in Thailand 🇹🇭. Founded in 2013 by Stéphanie Des Arts-Loup and Alexandre Des Arts, Pimali Resort & Training Centre is dedicated to equipping young people with the skills and opportunities needed to build successful futures 💪. Through comprehensive training in the hospitality industry, the organization empowers young people, helping them escape cycles of poverty and exploitation. Since 2021, the DERTOUR Foundation has supported Pimali’s mission, funding seven apprentices annually and enabling travel guests to visit and engage with Pimali’s projects. The "Original Issan and Pimali Foundation" tour🧳, which includes an overnight stay at the Pimali Guesthouse managed by trainees, offers guests a unique glimpse into the lives of these young individuals. Its students' experiences show that Pimali's programs are effective. Initially unsure of his path, Kang, a 20-year-old in the Food & Beverage Service program, learned to interact with guests, serve meals, set up service areas, and even make cocktails. His English improved significantly, giving him confidence. Kang plans to continue in the F&B sector, feeling equipped with skills and experiences that have opened new doors for him.   🙌 Noey, also 18, found her calling in the Room Division. She learned about housekeeping, managing uniforms, and understanding cleaning products. These skills not only helped her support her family financially but also gave her a sense of pride. She dreams of continuing her career in the hospitality industry, armed with the confidence and competence gained at Pimali.   🏆Jiji, an 18-year-old from an orphanage, discovered her passion in the kitchen. She learned everything from holding a knife properly to preparing Western dishes. More importantly, she learned adaptability, teamwork, and the importance of planning. Jiji aspires to achieve financial stability and is already on her way, thanks to the skills she honed at Pimali. She was even selected to compete in a national competition, showcasing her culinary talents. Jiji is completing her internship in a renowned italian restaurant in Pattaya ✨. Read about PIMALI Association's work and check out all the #10Faces stories here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eXtnHMGZ

Keeping up with the #APeekInside series, which takes you on an exploration of the diverse markets and brands that define #DERTOURGroup? 🌍✨We've got a new one for you: In today's quick-fire interview, we welcome Daniela Ebeert, Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability at DERTOUR Austria GmbH. 🎙️ How would you describe your job in 3 words? 💬 Complex, strategic, future-oriented. 🎙️ Best aspect about your job? 💬 I get paid to think, talk and write about holidays every day. 😊 🎙️ What do you enjoy most about working at DERTOUR Austria? 💬 We are a great team and I also enjoy the backdrop of a multinational corporation like #DERTOURGroup and #REWEGroup. Working cross-border, multilingually and across very different departments can be challenging at times, but is also very rewarding. When I was younger, I was a PR consultant for a big American hospitality brand, and it is fun to now see the “other side”.  🎙️ Favourite office tradition? 💬 Our Christmas Parties are pretty special. We have even held one at the airport, with the buffet being served in the control tower. 🎙️ Tell us something about yourself that none of your colleagues know. 💬 In my spare time, I read books to children from the local neighbourhood. It started a few years ago in a nearby community centre and I try to keep it up. The love for reading is often sparked in children when someone reads to them in an animated way. I choose books that I loved as a child, or sometimes the kids bring their own. It is a lot of fun! 🎙️ How do you spend your free time? 💬 Whenever possible in nature and on-the-go. My daughter has inherited that spirit and is also my best travel partner. You will always find us cycling, swimming, hiking, rollerblading. I am also quite crafty and take on many DIY projects at home. It doesn't always turn out perfect, but you learn as you go, and it presents a welcome change from my high-intensity job. 🎙️ Favourite vacation spot. 💬 There are so many! I am fortunate to have travelled quite a bit and the places I always return to are Koh Samui, Mauritius, the Costa Smeralda, London, Paris, Venice, and Barcelona. My favourite destination in Austria is Lake Wörthersee, where I grew up. The water feels like silk and the scenery is jaw-dropping with the mountains circling the lake and the city of Klagenfurt.  🔔 Stay tuned for more updates on our #APeekInside series showcasing the faces of DERTOUR Group! #DERTOURGroup #TrustedTravelTeam #APeekInside

📢 New month, new story! We are thrilled to introduce our latest #10Faces partner as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the DERTOUR Foundation. This month, we are honoured to showcase the Reiner Meutsch Stiftung FLY & HELP, an organization dedicated to constructing schools in developing nations through charitable contributions. Together, we are dedicated to improving education through the renovation project of the “Juan Manuel Viamonte” elementary school in Cuba, a cornerstone of the community in Camagüey since the 1970s. Over the years, this institution has seen generations of children pass through its doors, each one learning and growing within its classrooms. However, the building began to show signs of wear. The electrical and sanitary facilities needed repairs. The roof, meant to protect from the rain, needed fixing. Through our partnership, we were able to contribute to the renovation of the school, ensuring that children continue to have access to education 📚. Yenny Thalía García Vidal, now a teenager, attended the "Juan Manuel Viamontes" school during the time when the school was renovated. Currently in the 9th grade, Thalía recounts her experience: “I was little, but I remember when they took pictures of us and brought us computers. Imagine being a six-year-old with a computer! It was very exciting and really helped my development.” A third-grade teacher also describes her experience: “They brought so many things—cement, roofing, windows, even toilet seats for the children. They also gave us chocolates and cookies. We met weekly to check on the school's progress.” Reflecting on the long-term impact, she adds, "The computers and other technologies have been very helpful; we use them for our classes and even for teacher trainings. The foundation's contribution has truly been worthwhile." Check out all the 10 Faces stories here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eXtnHMGZ

Happy #WorldMangroveDay! Today, we're turning the spotlight on the crucial mission of mangrove conservation, which is also one of the topics featured in DERTOUR Foundation’s 10-year anniversary campaign. Make sure to keep an eye out for our in-depth article on mangrove conservation in collaboration with the Wildlife and Ocean Resource Conservation (WORC), an organization that has been at the forefront of ecosystem conservation in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, offering protection against erosion, filtering pollutants, and serving as carbon sinks. WORC's innovative approach involves planting mangrove trees strategically to create natural barriers, fostering growth and mitigating the impact of motorized boats that often threaten these delicate ecosystems. With the help of #ecotourism, including boat tours and educational programs, WORC has planted 15,000 mangrove trees, offsetting 6,000 tonnes of CO₂ and creating sustainable livelihoods for the local community. Read more about our mangrove conservation project in Sri Lanka here https://lnkd.in/eTn2UkhE

We are thrilled that brands under the umbrella of #DERTOURGroup are receiving well-deserved recognition and nominations for various awards! 🎉 In Switzerland (DERTOUR Suisse), our golf specialist, Golf and Travel AG, has been nominated in two categories for the eleventh annual World Golf Awards*, namely Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator in Switzerland 2024 and Best golf tour operator in Switzerland 2024. Meanwhile, our colleagues in the UK have been nominated by readers of the esteemed Wanderlust Travel Media as one of their favourite tour operators. Kuoni UK has done a lot to diversify their worldwide range over the past year, taking people to beautiful, and less discovered, parts of the world other companies don't reach. Kuoni UK has also been shortlisted by Aspire, which celebrates the best of the luxury travel sector, in the Premium Tour Operator of the Year category. Read more here https://lnkd.in/e6hP9Uww We are keeping our fingers crossed and hope that they both win 🤞 If you would like to show your support, please consider casting your vote for them here 🗳️ Kuoni UK 🇬🇧 🌟 Favourite Tour Operator https://lnkd.in/evGHMhbg Golf and Travel AG 🇨🇭 🌟 Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator in Switzerland 2024 https://lnkd.in/dz8zezeV 🌟 Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator in Switzerland 2024 https://lnkd.in/dSbnYsyk * Sign up to vote here https://lnkd.in/dVqyDYN

Keeping up with the #APeekInside series, which takes you on an exploration of the diverse markets and brands that define #DERTOURGroup? 🌍✨We've got a new one for you: In today's quick-fire interview, we welcome brigitte korchia, Direct Sales Director at Groupe Kuoni France. 🎙️ How would you describe your job in 3 words? 💬 Diversified, rewarding, relational. 🎙️ Best aspect about your job? 💬 I appreciate the human interaction, exchanges, and closeness I have with my teams and managers. My role is varied, and I enjoy not having a routine. I can handle tasks ranging from agency renovations to financial monitoring, sales initiatives, and providing compassionate listening. 🎙️ What do you enjoy most about working at Kuoni France? 💬 The pride of working for a brand known for its quality and whose identity revolves around customer satisfaction. A caring company with accessible managers. A company where we can express ourselves and share our viewpoints. 🎙️ Favourite office tradition? 💬 2 to 3 times a year, I organize a workshop with four partners. It's an opportunity to invite all teams and come together for an evening of friendly exchanges and work in a warm atmosphere. 🎙️ Tell us something about yourself that none of your colleagues know. 💬 I have participated in several TV shows, and it's not a secret to anyone, but they don’t know about all the shows, I haven’t said everything, when I was young, I wanted to host a TV show about cooking or travel. 🎙️ How do you spend your free time? 💬 I love moments spent with friends, either in my house or at their home, enjoying good times together, chatting, playing, dancing, and sharing. Whether it's for a snack, an apéritif, or dinner. 🎙️ Favourite vacation spot. 💬 I love to discover new countries. Any destination is fine as long as there's nature, activities we can enjoy with my family, exchange with local people and change of scenery. My best travel memories are Egypt, Vietnam, Kenya. 💬In winter, I love to spend one week in the mountains for skiing.  🔔 Stay tuned for more updates on our #APeekInside series showcasing the faces of DERTOUR Group! #DERTOURGroup #TrustedTravelTeam #APeekInside

🌍 Committed to climate protection - Our climate strategy at DERTOUR Group 🌍 In March 2024, REWE Group officially committed to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and thus made a company-wide decision for climate protection. As part of REWE Group, DERTOUR Group is committed to science-based climate targets based on the 1.5-degree path of the Paris Climate Agreement and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. With our projects and initiatives, we aim to reduce the environmental impact of our business activities and promote more climate-friendly alternatives. The comprehensive Group-wide climate programme *ONE Climate* integrates all relevant projects as we work towards our goals. 🔎 Key objectives: ➡ Emission Reduction: Implementing measures across all business areas and supply chains ➡ Project Consolidation: Uniting all climate-related initiatives within a Group-wide programme ➡ Compliance: Adhering to external standards such as SBTi and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) ➡ Solution Integration: Firmly embedding climate protection within our corporate principles We take pride in making climate protection an integral part of our Group strategy and look forward to collaboratively shaping a more sustainable future alongside industry partners. 🌱🌟 💡 Explore our climate strategy and other impactful climate initiatives here: https://lnkd.in/eKD8jb3M #ONEClimate #SBTi #climateprotection #sustainability #NetZero