Miguel Praga

💰 The Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) approved Ávoris' acquisition of Dit Gestión, allowing the tourism conglomerate to exceed 3,000 sales outlets in Spain. CNMC received the transaction documents in November, with a ruling expected by the end of 2024, delayed due to Unida's non-payment of a fine from a 20216 cartel case. Prior to the acquisition, Ávoris had approximately 2,300 outlets, including brands Halcón Viajes, B travel, Viajes Ecuador, Geomoon, and a previously acquired group, Gea, with 500 offices.

📌 Travel agencies implicated in an infringement procedure by Spain's National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) received no notifications throughout 2024. The CNMC initiated the sanctioning file in late 2023 with a two-year deadline to issue a verdict. Agencies involved include Ávoris, Viajes El Corte Inglés, Nautalia, and IAG7 Viajes, all maintaining their innocence. The CNMC investigation focused on the CORA public tender for managing the Spanish government's centralized travel services, specifically a potential allocation of different lots. Inspections were conducted from March 28 to 31, 2023, leading to the procedural opening in November. Potential fines could reach up to 10% of the implicated companies' total business volume.

🚀 Easyjet Plus for Business launched, targeting corporate travel in Europe. Companies can buy up to 250 memberships at discounted rates. Membership costs £249/year, offering priority boarding, free earlier flight changes, fast track security, special seating, and baggage privileges, resembling legacy airline services. Easyjet's network serves major European airports, catering to business travelers, while also catering to holiday travelers with a different product focus. Few low-cost airlines offer loyalty programs like this business-oriented scheme.