Avolta AG, a global leader in the travel experience industry, was created in November 2023 following the landmark merger between the Swiss travel retail giant Dufry and the Italian food and beverage specialist Autogrill. The company’s roots trace back to 1865 when it was founded as Weitnauer in Basel, Switzerland, eventually evolving into Dufry and pioneering the duty-free shop concept in continental Europe in 1952. Today, Avolta operates a massive global footprint with more than 5,100 outlets across 75 countries, serving approximately 2.3 to 2.5 billion passengers annually. Its scope spans airports, motorways, cruise lines, seaports, and railway stations, offering a "holistic travel experience" that integrates duty-free retail, convenience stores, and diverse dining options. Within the cruise sector specifically, Avolta has significantly expanded its influence, notably serving as the primary retail partner for nearly the entire Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet and introducing innovative "first-at-sea" luxury concepts on new vessels like the Norwegian Aqua.