The travel and tourism industry in Europe is a vibrant sector showcasing a blend of cultures, history, and nature. Companies range from airlines to hotel chains, travel agencies, and tech firms, all dedicated to providing experiences that foster exploration. European nations benefit from a rich heritage and picturesque attractions, attracting millions of international tourists each year. As trends shift toward eco-friendly travel and digital solutions, the industry adapts with innovative platforms enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. The rise of personalized travel experiences reflects changing consumer preferences, hinting at a future where individualization reigns supreme.

This list highlights a variety of investors shaping the travel and tourism realm in Europe. From venture capital players like Kima Ventures based in Paris to corporate giants such as Accor in Île-de-France, these investors vary in size and specialization. Founded between the 1940s and 2010s, they reflect numerous investment strategies. In 2024, these 18 investors executed a combined total of over 300 deals, demonstrating their commitment to driving growth in the travel sector. Their geographical spread showcases Europe's investment potential in tourism, planning for robust returns in a recovering post-pandemic market.

Top 18 Travel and Tourism Investors in Europe

1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website: bpifrance.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Bpifrance has been involved in several notable transactions in the travel and tourism sector, such as providing debt financing to Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs Gro, participating in funding rounds for Marietton Development, a prominent French tour operator, and investing in Evaneos, a travel tech startup that raised significant equity financing. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting the travel and tourism industry alongside its broader investment strategy.

2. Thomas Cook

• Website: thomascook.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1841
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: thomascook-com

Thomas Cook is a corporate investor based in London, England, with a focus on the travel and tourism industry. Founded in 1841, the company offers a wide range of holiday packages, city breaks, and travel services, ensuring secure booking options and financial protection for its customers. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Travel Corporation India in 2013, which positioned Thomas Cook India as the largest tour operator in India, and the acquisition of Öger Tours in 2010 for €30 million, aimed at strengthening its presence in Germany and Turkey. Additionally, Thomas Cook India acquired Kuoni's Destination Management Company in 2017, further enhancing its operations in the travel sector. These strategic moves highlight Thomas Cook's commitment to expanding its influence and capabilities within the travel and tourism market.

3. Crowdcube

• Website: crowdcube.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a crowdfunding platform based in London, England, that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. Founded in 2010, Crowdcube connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions within the travel and tourism sector, including LuckyTrip, which raised $616,561 in September 2022, and Plum Guide, which raised $192,640 in August 2022. Additionally, Crowdcube supported SkiYodl, a travel-related startup, in two separate funding rounds, raising $737,714 in February 2023 and $1,048,591 in February 2021. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting innovative companies in the travel and tourism industry.

4. Kima Ventures

• Website: kimaventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across a variety of sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in companies relevant to the travel and tourism industry, such as Duffel, which raised $30 million in a Series B round to enhance travel booking services, and Impala, which raised $20 million in a Series B round to boost competition in the travel sector. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' commitment to supporting innovation in the travel and tourism space, alongside their broader investment strategy.

5. HOWZAT Partners

• Website: howzatpartners.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: howzat-media

HOWZAT Partners is a venture capital investment fund based in Luxembourg, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in digital businesses and provides funding and strategic advisory services to early-stage companies. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurs and startups seeking investment and guidance. Notably, HOWZAT Partners has been involved in several significant transactions within the travel and tourism sector, including investments in itravel, which raised over $7 million in Series B funding, and Travelcircus, which secured $2.1 million in a seed round. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for GlampingHub, which raised $2 million alongside other investors. These transactions highlight HOWZAT Partners' active role in supporting innovative companies within the travel and tourism industry.

6. Index Ventures

• Website: indexventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, but has also shown a significant interest in the travel and tourism industry. Notably, Index Ventures has participated in multiple funding rounds for Secret Escapes, a luxury travel deals marketplace, contributing to its Series B, C, and D rounds, which aimed at international expansion and growth. Additionally, they have invested in onefinestay, a company that offers unique home rental experiences, further showcasing their engagement in the travel sector. Through these investments, Index Ventures provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their travel-related businesses.

7. HV Capital

• Website: hvcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. They provide capital and strategic guidance to startups across Europe, helping them navigate growth challenges and achieve market success. Notably, HV Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the travel and tourism sector, particularly with Dreamlines, Europe's largest online travel agency for cruise holidays. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Dreamlines, including Series B, C, D, and E, contributing to a total of over €100 million in funding. This involvement highlights their active role in the travel industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.

8. Ldc

• Website: ldc.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, that specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services. LDC has a diverse portfolio, but they have made notable investments in the travel and tourism industry, including the acquisition of ATPI Limited, a travel management company, in December 2006 for approximately $71 million. In June 2015, LDC acquired a stake in Iglu Cruise, an online travel company, further expanding their footprint in the travel sector. They also acquired Forest Holidays in September 2012, a company that provides holiday accommodations in nature, and supported them with additional funding in December 2017. Additionally, LDC invested £6.5 million in Blue Bay Travel in February 2017, a UK-based online travel agent, to help the company enhance its technology and expand its offerings. These transactions highlight LDC's commitment to fostering growth in the travel and tourism sector.

9. Accor

• Website: group.accor.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1967
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: accor

Accor is a leading hospitality group founded in 1967, headquartered in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Île-De-France, France. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Accor operates a diverse portfolio of hotel brands and services, including accommodations, restaurants, and coworking spaces, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The company has made significant investments in the travel and tourism sector, including the acquisition of a 50% stake in the Mantis Group, which includes 28 hotels in Africa, aimed at expanding their presence in emerging markets. Additionally, Accor acquired Onefinestay, a luxury property rental service, for €148 million, further diversifying their offerings in the hospitality market. Their acquisition of the Mantra Group for £730 million, which includes 127 properties across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Hawaii, underscores their commitment to enhancing their global hotel network. Accor's strategic moves reflect their focus on delivering quality service and innovative solutions in the hospitality industry, making them a key player in the travel and tourism sector.

10. Portugal Ventures

• Website: portugalventures.pt
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Porto, Porto, Portugal
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: portugal-ventures

Portugal Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Porto, Portugal, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in startups with global ambitions, primarily located in Portugal, providing both capital and strategic support to help these startups grow and scale their operations. Portugal Ventures is known for its diverse investment portfolio, which includes innovative projects across various sectors such as technology and health. In the travel and tourism context, they have made significant investments in companies like 'Great Hotels of the World', which raised $1,161,170 in a Seed Round, 'Algrave Sun Boat Trips', which raised an undisclosed amount in a Seed Round, and 'Live Electric Tours', which also raised $1,161,170 in a Seed Round. These transactions highlight their active role in fostering entrepreneurship within the travel and tourism industry, contributing to economic development in this sector.

11. Amadeus

• Website: amadeus.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: amadeus

Amadeus IT Group, S.A., founded in 1987 and based in Madrid, Spain, is a leading travel technology provider that offers comprehensive software solutions tailored for the global travel and tourism industry. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Amadeus operates through a SaaS model, delivering integrated solutions that streamline operations for airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and other travel-related businesses. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Vacation.com for $57.3 million, aimed at strengthening relationships with traditional travel agencies and enhancing their presence in the U.S. online market. Additionally, Amadeus acquired Pyton Communication Services to bolster its online booking capabilities and Travel IMS to expand its service offerings. Their investment in Kambr, a revenue management solutions provider for airlines, further illustrates their strategic focus on enhancing pricing tools for the aviation sector. These transactions highlight Amadeus's active role in shaping the travel and tourism landscape through technology and innovation.

12. Partech

• Website: partechpartners.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 24
• LinkedIn: partech

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1982, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic support to startups across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on technology. Partech operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, they have made significant investments in the travel and tourism sector, including a €15M investment in PerfectStay, a B2B tour operator, and a €70M investment in Evaneos, a travel marketplace. These investments highlight Partech's commitment to supporting innovative travel tech companies and their growth, particularly in expanding their market reach and enhancing their technological capabilities. Their active participation in funding rounds for travel-related startups underscores their relevance in the travel and tourism industry.

13. Vitruvian Partners

• Website: vitruvianpartners.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: vitruvian-partners-llp

Vitruvian Partners is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, supporting ambitious entrepreneurs and management teams in achieving their growth objectives through financial investment and operational expertise. Vitruvian operates across various sectors, focusing on companies with high growth potential. In the travel and tourism context, they have made notable investments, including over $109 million in Civitatis, a Spanish OTA, and the acquisition of Travel Counsellors, a travel agency known for its personalized services. They also acquired JacTravel, an accommodation wholesaler, for £80 million, further emphasizing their commitment to the travel sector. These strategic investments highlight Vitruvian's role in fostering growth within the travel and tourism industry.

14. ECI Partners

• Website: ecipartners.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1976
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: eci-partners-llp

ECI Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, specializing in mid-market investments. Founded in 1976, the firm focuses on partnering with growth businesses to provide capital and strategic support. While their primary focus is on sectors like Cloud & Digital and HealthTech, ECI Partners has made significant investments in the travel and tourism industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Hoseasons, a leading provider of holiday rentals, and Kirker, a luxury travel company. They also invested in Great Rail Journeys, a company specializing in rail-based travel experiences, and Reed & Mackay, a travel management company. Additionally, their investment in CarTrawler, which provides online car rental distribution systems, highlights their commitment to the travel sector. ECI Partners emphasizes collaboration with management teams to drive sustainable success and navigate market challenges, making them a versatile investor in various industries, including travel and tourism.

15. Permira

• Website: permira.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made significant investments in the travel and tourism industry, including the acquisition of a majority stake in the Spanish online travel agency eDreams in 2010 for a deal reportedly worth between €250 million and €300 million. Additionally, Permira has been involved in substantial funding rounds for FlixBus, raising $650 million in Series G and $563 million in Series F, as well as investing $75 million in eDreams ODIGEO in 2022. These transactions demonstrate Permira's strategic focus on transforming businesses within the travel sector into market leaders, aligning with its overall investment philosophy.

16. Livingbridge

• Website: livingbridge.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: livingbridge

Livingbridge is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in investing in established and growing businesses across various sectors, including technology, services, healthcare & education, and consumer sectors. Livingbridge provides capital and strategic support to help its portfolio companies unlock their potential and achieve growth through mergers and acquisitions, internationalization, and talent management. Notably, Livingbridge has made significant investments in the travel and tourism industry, including the acquisition of Loveholidays, a UK-based online travel agent, for approximately £180 million in 2018, aimed at enhancing their long-haul business and facilitating international expansion. They also acquired rentalcars.com in 2008, further diversifying their portfolio in the travel sector. More recently, Livingbridge has invested in Sykes Cottages and Direct Ferries, both of which are key players in the travel and tourism market, indicating their ongoing commitment to this industry.

17. TA Ventures

• Website: taventures.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: ta-ventures

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech, providing capital and strategic support to help these startups grow. Notably, TA Ventures has made significant investments in the travel and tourism sector, including itravel, which raised $7,349,276 in Series B funding in April 2018 and $2,218,963 in Series A funding in December 2016. Additionally, they invested in Dreamlines, a travel booking platform, which raised $25,000,000 in Series C funding in November 2014 and $9,887,728 in Series B funding in May 2013. They also invested in Bravofly, a travel booking service, indicating a consistent interest in the travel and tourism industry. With a global presence, TA Ventures actively engages in building networks for its portfolio companies, further enhancing their impact in the travel sector.

18. Tui

• Website: tuigroup.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 1923
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: tuigroup

TUI Group, founded in 1923 and based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a leading integrated tourism company with over 10,000 employees. The company offers a comprehensive range of travel services, including hotels, cruises, and activities, serving millions of customers worldwide. TUI's strategic acquisitions, such as Musement, an Italian digital company specializing in tours and attractions, and Destination Services for $135 million, highlight their focus on enhancing customer experiences in the travel sector. Additionally, TUI's investment in Peakwork AG, where they acquired a 15.4% stake, aims to establish a global market standard for the distribution of tourism services. These transactions underscore TUI's active role in the travel and tourism industry, reinforcing its position as a significant player in this sector.

Travel and Tourism Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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