1970s: our most important adventure gets under way
Antonio Mangia founded the Aeroviaggi travel agency in the heart of Palermo in 1973.
In the space of a few years, it became one of the major tour operators and DMC in Sicily and launched the concept of all-inclusive tourism for the first time in Italy.
From that time on, innovation became a signature feature of the company.
1980s: the hotel division was set up
In the 1980s, Aeroviaggi became a joint-stock company and started the hotel management division, effectively becoming one of Italy’s first integrated operators.
Over time, the company developed and refined its direct management method, focusing on maximum operational efficiency and internationalisation.
The first computer systems, among the most advanced at the time, were introduced into the Palermo Head Office, as well as the other three offices in Paris, Geneva and Milan. Most of the management software is still proprietary.
1990s: growth, impact and strategic vision
The 1990s saw a strong commercial expansion including leadership in the French market.
These were pivotal years in which the company, with facilities in Brucoli and Sciacca, made its first acquisitions whilst building and consolidating its reputation, becoming one of the most influential companies in the Italian tourism market, and the number one charter operator in Sicily and Sardinia. The company took off.
2000s: arrival in Sardinia
At the turn of the new century, Aeroviaggi took another key step along its path with the acquisition of the La Marmorata hotel in Santa Teresa di Gallura. A facility surrounded by the most uncontaminated and breathtaking landscape in Sardinia, with more than 2,500 beds. The company’s method of operation, honed over years of work was what made this monumental feat possible.
Milano Finanza, the daily economic newspaper, dedicated a special issue to our group and its strategic vision.
2010s: the relaunch of Pollina, a symbol of Sicily
The inauguration of the Pollina Resort, which underwent a complete overhaul and transformed it into one of Sicily’s most striking and iconic resorts, marked the company’s entrance onto the big stage. This investment, which would be followed by the Himera Premium Resort, once again highlighted the Group’s exceptional ability as a real estate developer, managing large-scale renovation plans in-house within a very tight timeframe (typically 6-8 months), regenerating underperforming or even disused structures.
The Group continued its double-digit growth and achieved a number of records that confirmed its position as an absolute leader in the Resort Sun & Beach destinations segment. The best, however, was yet to come.
2020s: master of Islands
Favignana Premium Resort & Villas, the first high-end resort in the Collection and a milestone in the ongoing repositioning project, was opened on May 28, 2021.
Aeroviaggi thus earned its spot in the top rankings of the Italian tourism industry: with 13 facilities including Premium Resorts and Clubs, it became the number one Italian hotel chain by room market share, the second specialising in Sun & Beach destinations with a consolidated position among the top 10 hospitality brands in Italy by market share.
2021: the MANGIA’S Resorts by the Sea global brand was created by Aeroviaggi Spa
Aeroviaggi Spa Group took an important step on its path to becoming a leader in the premium segment of the hospitality resort market.