Tour operator Kuoni Group has restructured its business into three new “logical” divisions.

Under the new structure “various business units grouped organisationally according to their business models, activities, geographical spread, growth prospects, customer portfolios and management requirements”, explained a statement.

Kuoni was recognised as Europe’s Leading Tour Operator by the World Travel Awards earlier this year.
 
The reorganisation follows the acquisition of Gullivers’ Travel Association in May 2011.

In operation from October 1st, the new structure will consist of a European tour operating business, called Outbound Europe, headed by Leif Vase Larsen; a business-to-business, tour and meetings and incentives division, called Global Travel Services, headed by Rolf Schafroth; and an Emerging Markets and Specialists division, headed by Stefan Leser.

Peter Rothwell, chief executive of Kuoni Group, said: “Combining our various business activities all over the world into three new divisions is a logical consequence of our growth strategy, our acquisition activity and a result of our investment and cost-reduction programme, which will end in 2011.

“Following the acquisition of GTA, Kuoni is fast developing into a diversified global travel group with strong activities in Asia.

“Our updated group structure will enable us to better position our existing tour operating businesses and take full advantage of cross border and cross company synergies.

“At the same time, it will equip us to accelerate our development of those activities – especially our Asian business – that have strong growth credentials.”

Global functional units, such as finance, IT, HR and corporate communications, will continue to report directly to Rothwell.