In a strategic move poised to reshape the global travel landscape, eSky Group, a leading Polish travel technology company, has officially acquired Thomas Cook, one of the most recognized names in the travel industry. The acquisition deal, signed with Chinese Fosun Tourism Group, marks a major milestone for both entities, promising significant growth for Thomas Cook while solidifying eSky Group’s position as a dominant force in Western Europe.
Thomas Cook, with its rich brand legacy, will now benefit from eSky’s cutting-edge travel technology and advanced flight inventory systems. This collaboration will not only enhance Thomas Cook’s service offerings but also facilitate eSky’s expansion into one of the most mature travel markets in Western Europe. eSky Group has already established itself as a leader in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, expanding its reach globally under the eSky and eDestinos brands. With operations in over 50 countries across Europe, the Americas, and Africa, eSky boasts a staggering portfolio of over 550 airlines and access to 1.3 million hotels worldwide. Having served over 150 million customers, the company has helped travelers explore every corner of the globe. In 2023, eSky Group reported impressive profits exceeding EUR 19 million, representing a 42% increase year-on-year and nearly tripling its earnings compared to 2019.
The acquisition highlights the synergy between Thomas Cook’s heritage and eSky’s innovative approach. Łukasz Habaj, CEO of eSky Group, emphasizes the strategic value of this combination: “The combination of Thomas Cook’s trusted legacy with our technological expertise will drive its growth, while also strengthening our position in Western Europe. This acquisition aligns with our broader strategy of diversifying from primarily selling flights to offering full package holidays across our existing markets in Europe and Latin America, as well as further expanding into Western Europe.”
Alan French, CEO of Thomas Cook Tourism, echoes this sentiment: “This acquisition will provide substantial financial backing as we rebuild the Thomas Cook brand and accelerate its growth. By merging our expertise in dynamic packaging and holiday planning with eSky’s comprehensive flight inventory, advanced marketing strategies, and technical prowess, we are confident that this collaboration will create a formidable travel company in Europe.”
Since 2022, eSky has significantly invested in expanding its services to include City Break and Holiday packages, transforming from a flight-focused platform into a full-scale Virtual Tour Operator. This strategic move positions eSky as a comprehensive travel provider, offering a wide array of services beyond just flights. With a dedicated development team of over 190 professionals and a total workforce of over 800 employees, eSky continues to innovate and adapt to evolving traveler needs. Partially owned by MCI, a listed private equity fund, eSky is poised to leverage its technological and operational strengths to revolutionize the travel industry.
The acquisition of Thomas Cook underscores eSky’s commitment to growth and innovation, marking a significant step in reshaping the future of global travel.