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IN BRIEF
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The return of Dietmar Gunz is confirmed with Falk Travel and its subsidiary Spica Travel: two brands in consolidation, ready to accelerate in 2026 with a clear focus on Tunisia. After a controlled start, the aim is becoming clearer with a target of 25,000 to 40,000 arrivals, supported by airline partnerships and a well-established ground organization. Leveraging past experience at FTI Touristik and the momentum of Rocket DMC, the setup outlines the possibility of eventually filling the gap left in the Mediterranean market.
Based in Switzerland, Falk Travel relies on Spica Travel in Germany to orchestrate a gradual, calibrated redeployment focused on destinations with a strong market depth. The initial months have deliberately favored a limited production to finalize the connectivities, secure allotments, and confirm strategic partnerships. In this trajectory, Tunisia stands out as a key growth axis, with a gradual and structured ramp-up.
A Methodical Ascension
The strategy assumes a stepwise progression: technological connections, consolidation of distribution in the Swiss and German markets, and product selectivity. This operational discipline should enable Falk and Spica to absorb increasing volumes without compromising quality. To illustrate the visibility steps and brand engagement, see Falk Travel inaugurates FALD.
Quantified Goals for 2026
For the fiscal year 2026, the announced target for Tunisia is between 25,000 and 40,000 clients, including arrivals distributed between the continent and Djerba. Beyond seasonality, the ambition is to stabilize regular flows and secure competitive air capacities. This trajectory opens up the possibility of occupying a part of the space left vacant by the former FTI Touristik on the Mediterranean axis.
A Legacy, Lessons: From FTI Touristik to a New Era
Founder of FTI Touristik, Dietmar Gunz orchestrated rapid expansion through acquisitions like YouTravel, FTI Voyages in France, BigXtra, or 5 vor Flug, bringing the group to the rank of 3rd largest tour operator in Europe. After the COVID crisis and a recapitalization led by his co-shareholder, Naguib Sawiris, he left management two years before the bankruptcy, despite ongoing reforms. This experience today informs a more selective approach focused on the robustness of value chains and cost control.
An Entrepreneur Moving Forward
After a year of withdrawal, Dietmar Gunz resumed his actions with Rocket DMC, now present in nine destinations, and has taken management of several hotels under the Amwaj label in Egypt, along with other establishments in Spain and Corfu. This operational base, combining inbound and hospitality, creates tangible synergies with the needs of Falk and Spica regarding quality control, availability, and pricing.
Focus on Tunisia: Alliances and Air Capacities
Recently in Tunisia, Dietmar Gunz held fruitful discussions with the tour operator JoinUp!. This partner, which has just integrated new aircraft, now has a fleet of 20 planes and plans for more than 60,000 arrivals in 2026 to the destination, shared between the Tunisian coast and the island of Djerba. The alignment between these capacities and the ramp-up of Falk/Spica improves the visibility of flight plans and seat security.
JoinUp! Strengthens Service
The combination of enhanced flight frequencies and local partnerships allows for an expanded programming, with flexible lengths of stay and a balanced service of the main hotel hubs. For travelers seeking structured itineraries around the Mediterranean, a circuit experience in Albania illustrates the growing appetite for formats combining exploration and smooth logistics.
A Mediterranean Positioning Becoming Clear
The overall picture outlines a clear positioning: focus on the Mediterranean basin, calibrated products, reliable airline alliances, and a proprietary inbound base through Rocket DMC. This operational architecture aligns production with the standards expected by the DACH markets (Switzerland, Germany) and enhances resilience against capacity fluctuations.
What This Means for Hoteliers and Travel Agencies
For Tunisian hoteliers, the gradual arrival of volumes opens up perspectives for better anticipated allotments, diversification of source markets, and an expected qualitative increase in certain ranges, particularly under the Amwaj label. For agencies in Switzerland and Germany, the challenge is to gain new charter availability and stable connectivities, with a ramp-up schedule spread between 2025 and 2026, aimed at achieving sustainable growth in Tunisia.
