A&K Travel Group Ltd., has announced an equity partnership with Santiago Dunn and his company, Ecoventura, a sustainable travel expedition cruise company in the Galapagos Islands. The partnership foresees an equity investment in Ecoventura, besides the creation of a joint venture, headed by Dunn in his new role as CEO of A&K South America.
“As honorary consul of Ecuador in Monaco, I am proud to announce this partnership and look forward to strengthening the relationship between our two countries,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, co-chairman of the A&K Travel Group. “I met Santiago for the first time in 2009 and since then we have gained a mutual respect for one other and our respective achievements, as well as our shared passion for travel. He was a good partner when I ran Silversea Cruises and I look forward to working with him on A&K’s ambitious expansion plans in the region.”
“Santiago is a dear friend and a travel guru who I highly respect. We started working together in 2012 when I led the acquisition of Canodros,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “After I left Silversea in 2017, we spent time together on his numerous sales trips to Europe. Those who know me well are aware that I consider Ecuador my second home and that I have missed my visits -- and how warmly I was always welcomed in Guayaquil and Quito. The Galapagos Islands are a paradise on earth that I believe each person on the planet should visit at least once in their lifetime.”
Due to extensive internal experience with mergers and acquisitions, and a deep understanding of operations in the Galapagos, A&K Travel Group chose not to use external financial advisors but to leverage the expertise of Andrew Burrett, CFO, and Camille Drevillon, chief of staff, who have been instrumental in structuring this transaction.
Ecoventura continues to pave the way in expedition travel through the Galapagos Islands, with its third 20-passenger luxury mega-yacht, Evolve, setting sail on January 15, 2023. Evolve’s debut will mark the completion of Ecoventura’s fully upgraded fleet.
Like sister ships Origin and Theory (launched in 2016 and 2019, respectively), Evolve’s name derives from Charles Darwin’s scientific works. The mega-yacht offers 10 cabins framing panoramic views from all corners, and onboard amenities that include a full-time concierge, fitness center, a sundeck with loungers and daybeds, a jacuzzi and sustainably sourced cuisine.
Evolve will operate on Ecoventura’s current schedule, rotating between two seven-night itineraries that can be combined into an immersive two-week excursion. Sustainable features will mirror those of Origin and Theory’s, reducing fossil fuel consumption by over 30 percent, besides a prototypical stabilizing system and bow design for smoother and faster sailing up to 14 knots.
Santiago Dunn, CEO of Ecoventura, said: “I met Manfredi Lefebvre over a decade ago and as I got to know him and his fantastic team, I developed great respect for his vision for the future. When you combine that with the influence of Geoffrey Kent and A&K’s worldwide reputation, plus the 360-degree scope and 24/7 attention to detail with Cristina Levis at the helm, I am confident that our knowledge and experience will quickly translate into a portfolio of luxurious adventures across Latin America in partnership with local communities.”
Geoffrey Kent, co-chairman of A&K Travel Group, added: “I have many heart-warming memories of trips to Ecuador and cannot wait to go back with my children to see the incredible wildlife. Through A&K Philanthropy, we will be working to ensure that A&K and Ecoventura help to protect the islands for future generations, while supporting the local community. The Galapagenos share their natural heritage with our guests and we are committed to giving something back.”
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