1980
Cornerstone of the FTI GROUP
The language travel specialist, founded in 1980 by Dietmar Gunz and Partners, is the cornerstone of FTI GROUP
The brands
1983
Frosch Touristik incorporated
1983 marks the beginning of Frosch Touristik, selling Malta as its first destination
1989
Entry into the long-haul business
Acquisition of CA Ferntouristik GmbH as a specialist for long haul destinations
1992
Expansion
Foundation of the Swiss tour operator CA Fernreisen AG (todays FTI Touristik AG)
1995
Frosch Touristik becomes FTI
After 15 years of growth the business is consolidated under the umbrella brand FTI Touristik with over 15 brands. At the same time the company enters the Austrian market
1998
Entry of the tour operator Airtours
The British tour operator Airtours plc, Europe's second-largest travel group at the time, joins FTI in May with around 30 percent
2000
Aquired by Airtours
FTI sells all shares to Airtours at the start of the new millennium. Founder and CEO Dietmar Gunz leaves the company
2002
Distribution of travel as promotional goods
Since 2002 BigXtra belongs to the business group of Dietmar Gunz, which he founded after leaving FTI. The specialist focuses on long-term offers and the introduction of new products via well-known trading partners
2003
Reacquisition and realignment
Together with former shareholders, Dietmar Gunz buys back all shares of the company and sets course for a fresh start under the name FTI GROUP
2006
Sales channel television
The travel shopping channel sonnenklar.TV becomes part of the FTI GROUP, making a clear commitment to multichannel distribution
2009
Foundation of Meeting Point International
Under the name Meeting Point International, the FTI GROUP consolidates and develops its own destination management company for inbound services
2010
Relocation to the new corporate headquarters
When the GROUP moved into its new headquarters it set standards in sustainability. The certified Green Building was the first "Gold" office building in 2010 in Munich to be awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification
2011
Integration of BigXtra
The specialist BigXtra becomes part of the FTI GROUP
2012
Further expansion
The GROUP acquires Youtravel in the UK and Starter in France (today: FTI Voyages)
2014
Strategic Investor
In 2014 Samih Sawiris, entrepreneur and city-developer, becomes a partner and a shareholder in FTI GROUP
2015
Own Content
With Labranda Hotels & Resorts FTI launches its own hotel brand. The brand debuts with hotels in seven countries
2016
Steady expansion
Die FTI GROUP expanded its commitment to the Dutch source market. As a tour operator the GROUP is now active in the German, Austrian, Swiss, French and Dutch markets. In addition, the luxury tour operator WINDROSE Finest Travel becomes part of the FTI GROUP.
2018
Expansion of hotel brands
After the hotel brand Labranda Hotels & Resorts, founded in 2015, the FTI GROUP is expanding its hotel portfolio under the umbrella brand MP Hotels with Design Plus, Kairaba Hotels & Resorts, Lemon & Soul and Club Sei.
2020
Investment for the future
Samih Sawiris takes over the majority of the FTI GROUP with 75.1 percent in the course of the worldwide corona pandemic.
2021
Passing on the baton
Ralph Schiller, CEO of the FTI GROUP, takes over from Dietmar Gunz
2023
Focus on digital transformation
CIO Karl Markgraf also becomes CEO of the FTI GROUP. Ralph Schiller joins the Supervisory Board.
2024
Investment Agreement
A consortium led by Certares acquires 100 % of the share capital. Under the terms of the agreement the FTI GROUP receives new capital up to € 125 million
Today