Treni di lusso, Arsenale cresce in Asia nelle crociere su rotaia

Arsenale, a luxury rail company controlled by the Barletta group, is expanding its operations in Asia. The Italian company has acquired a strategic 33% stake in SJourney, a new Vietnamese river cruise brand inspired by the legendary Trans Indochine Express. Paolo Barletta, Arsenale's CEO, announced the investment to the Italian newspaper Sole 24 Ore.

SJourney offers an 8-day and 7-night journey between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, covering an iconic 1,726-kilometer route through Vietnam's most picturesque landscapes and culturally significant locations. The company's name derives from the S-shaped shape of Vietnam. This investment follows Arsenale's acquisition of British company Golden Eagle Luxury Trains a year ago, and it is part of the group's plan to build an integrated international platform for luxury rail tourism.

Barletta stated, "In 2020, Arsenale did not exist; today, we are among the top three global players in luxury river cruises. In 2025, Vietnam is expected to welcome over 21 million tourists, with an estimated 25 million by the end of 2026, marking growth of 16%." The country surpasses Egypt's tourism market. As a minority strategic shareholder, Arsenale will support SJourney's next development phase through its worldwide commercial network, enhancing the brand's global visibility.

Barletta added, "Our investment in SJourney is just the first step; our goal is to reach a joint partnership with a 50% stake. We believe SJourney's growth will come through geographic expansion, bringing luxury river cruises to nearby countries, such as those bordering Vietnam." The agreement also allows for licensing the Golden Eagle brand under the SJourney by Golden Eagle name, which will be evaluated as part of the future strategic and operational alignment.

The company emphasizes that SJourney will remain an independent project with its distinct identity, continuing to represent the local expression of an experience deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and territories. In Italy, Arsenale has created the La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, the first sustainable river cruise project in collaboration with Orient Express, Trenitalia, Treni Turistici Italiani, and Fondazione F.S.

Since 2023, Arsenale has undertaken an international expansion process, successfully completing four projects. In Saudi Arabia, the company is developing the Dream of The Desert train in partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways, the first luxury train in the kingdom. In the United Arab Emirates, Arsenale is working with Etihad Railway on a luxury train that will traverse the Middle East.

In Uzbekistan, the company is designing The Samarkand Express, the first luxury train in Central Asia, in collaboration with Uzbekistan Railways and the State Committee for Tourism. In Egypt, Arsenale is developing Guardian of the Nile, the country's first luxury train, in partnership with Egypt National Railway. Arsenale recently successfully placed a 300 million euro bond on the Vienna Stock Exchange to support its expansion plans.