Big Bus Tours ‘unlocks’ more growth with acquisition of Italian operator

Big Bus Tours has agreed a deal to acquire Touristation, a tour operator offering guided tours, packages and activities in Rome.

 

The open-top bus sightseeing specialist said the acquisition is “a landmark milestone in Big Bus Tours’ evolution into becoming a multi- experience operator, offering customers a range of different ways to discover the best of iconic cities”.

 

Touristation is led by managing director Raffaella Scarano who will continue to lead the business.

 
It has welcome centres by the most important sites across Rome, providing tourist information, an immersive multimedia video of Ancient Rome, and ancillary services, including transfers, food tours, and luggage storage.

 

Big Bus Tours said the acquisition will allow guests of both businesses to benefit from a network of shops in high-footfall locations and an integrated sightseeing and attractions platform.

 

Pat Waterman, executive chairman of Big Bus Tours, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for the group and for our customers, as we will now be able to offer them so many different ways to immerse themselves in Rome.

 

“Raffaella and her team at Touristation have built an exceptional business offering access to the city’s top attractions through a deep understanding of what today’s traveller expects.

 

“This acquisition positions the Big Bus Tours group as a true one-stop-shop for discovering Rome, and it is a model that we believe has great potential to be expanded to more of our great cities.”

 

Scarano added: “The opportunities to create a truly integrated customer experience are exciting and will unlock even more growth for both businesses.”

 

The deal was signed on August 9 and will complete in the coming weeks.

 

Big Bus Tours claims to be the world’s largest operator of open-top sightseeing experiences, with tours in 28 cities across four continents.