How we were

Since 1950, Uvet has been a point of reference in Italy for providing innovative services and solutions for business travel, corporate mobility, tourism and corporate events. Francesco Patanè, Uvet Viaggi Turismo’s founder, opened his first travel agency in Milan’s Varesine area, where the Garibaldi Station now stands. From the very beginning, Patanè decided to focus his travel services on companies: a bold, successful choice. During the 1960s, growth is exceptional. The company moves closer to the Central Station and first floor offices are installed above the agency’s shop windows. There are more than thirty employees. In 1972, the Cinisello Balsamo branch opens, followed by another in Cologno Monzese in 1975 and in 1986 yet another branch opens in Agrate Brianza. In 1988, the offices are moved to the new headquarters in via Vittor Pisani. Francesco Patanè dies and his son, Luca, the current President of the Uvet Group, takes over. In 1991, Uvet becomes part of the Carlson Travel Network and in 1995 forms First Business Travel International, one of the largest independent networks in business travel. In the mid-1990s, Uvet creates a network of travel agencies specialising in business travel and establishes Travel Net Solutions, an innovative ICT company. In 1998, branches in Turin and Rome open. The 2000s are essential to the Group’s expansion: in 2002, Uvet American Express is founded and in 2003 the first BizTravel Forum is held, the event becomes a point of reference for the entire Business Travel Community. In the following years, Uvet acquires ITN Travel Company and creates a network that currently includes 1,000 travel agencies. From 2008 until today, there is a continued strategy of acquisitions in the mobility and events sectors that will see the Group grow to more than 2.000 employees and reach turnover close to 2.9 billion euro.

Uvet’s history from the 1950s

1950s and 60s

During the years of the Italian economic boom, Uvet begins its exceptional growth. The company moves to Via Ferdinando di Savoia, closer to the Central Station and first floor offices are installed above the agency’s shop windows. There are more than thirty employees.

1960s

The growth is exceptional. The company moves closer to the Central Station and first floor offices are installed above the agency’s shop windows. There are more than thirty employees.

1970s-80s

In 1972, the Cinisello Balsamo branch opens

In 1975, another branch opens in Cologno Monzese

In 1986, yet another branch opens, this time in Agrate Brianza.

In 1988, the offices are moved to the new headquarters in via Vittor Pisani. Francesco Patanè dies and his son, Luca, Uvet’s current President immediately succeeds him to guide the company.

1990s

In 1991, Uvet becomes part of the Carlson Travel Network.

In 1995, First Business Travel International is established, one of the largest independent networks in business travel.

In the mid-1990s, Uvet creates a network of travel agencies specialising in business travel and establishes Travel Net Solutions, an innovative ICT company.

In 1998, branches in Turin and Rome open.

2000s

2002

In 2002, Uvet American Express is launched, destined to become a point of reference for Travel Management in Italy.

2003

In 2003, the first BizTravel Forum is held, the event becomes a point of reference for the entire Business Travel community. In the same year, the Swiss company 2000 Viaggi is acquired, today known as Uvet Swiss.

2004

Since 2004, Uvet has had offices in Romania.

2008

In 2008, Uvet acquires Avexia – the leading player in France for business travel – and ITN Travel Company to create a network that currently includes 1,500 travel agencies.

2009 - oggi

nuovi progetti nel campo della mobility, negli eventi e la joint venture con un importante gruppo cinese

Acquisitions are continued (Pomodoro Viaggi, TKT, Jakala Events, Flygpoolen), new projects in the fields of mobility, events and a joint venture with an important Chinese group that will see the Group grow to more than 2.000 employees and reach turnover of 2.9 billion euro.

Luca Patanè
President, Uvet Group
Chairman, Confturismo – Confcommercio

Born in Milan on 25 August 1961.

Studied Political Science and Economics, started work in the tourism industry at Uvet Viaggi Turismo in 1989. After the death of his father (who founded the travel agency), Luca Patanè took command of the company as Sales Director then, in 1995, as Managing Director and subsequently President.

Under his guidance, Uvet has become one of the leaders in the corporate travel sector. In 1996, he brought together, in a distribution network, the largest independent Italian travel agencies specialising in business travel. Today, the network contains 1,000 travel agencies under the Uvet retail, Uvet Travel System, Open Travel Network and Last Minute Tour brand.

In 2001, Uvet and American Express created the joint venture, Uvet American Express Corporate Travel SpA, with Luca Patanè as President.

In 2011, he promoted the Fondazione Atlante together with Amadeus, with the aim of putting their wealth of experience at the service of social solidarity and culture. He became President in 2013.

He has been the Foundation’s Chairman since 2013. In 2012, he became Chairman of Federviaggio, the Italian Federation of Organised Tourism, part of Confcommercio. Since June 2013, he has been the Chairman at Confturismo – Confcommercio, the entrepreneurial organisation which best represents the Italian tourism industry.

Luca Patanè is also a member of the Standing Committee for the promotion of tourism in Italy, established by Decree of the Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism of 8 August 2014.

In 2016 he was named Cavaliere del Lavoro by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on the proposal of the Minister of Economic Development Carlo Calenda.

In 2017 it became owner of Settemari, one of the most important Italian tour operators and Blue Panorama Airlines, an Italian airline that offers scheduled and long-haul flights, long and medium-haul flights to over 54 destinations in 4 continents (Africa, America, Asia and Europe).

Uvet is the most important centre for Italian tourism and is also present in France, Switzerland, Romania, Latvia, USA, UK, Ireland, Denmark and in the Scandinavian countries following a recent acquisition of an important Swedish OTA. It employs 2.000 people and in 2018 recorded a turnover of 2.9 billion euro. The Group is active in travel and in fleet management, events, Online Travel Agencies, travel agency networks, incoming and hotel management.

For 70 years, Uvet has been an Italian leader in the world of travel