About Cosmos
In 1928, Antonio opened a company specializing in motorcoach touring called Globus Viaggi. The company began with a fleet of 12 coaches which operated local excursions for European tourists in Switzerland. Antonio's frequent trips across the scenic lake led him to consider opportunities in a different market tourism. His entrepreneurial instinct pushed him to gradually acquire some motorcoaches to transport tourists around the Lake Lugano area.
By 1950, Globus Viaggi had grown to a fleet of 33 coaches and featured overnight excursions to Rome, Venice, the Dolomites, and the French Riviera. Gradually, these became regularly scheduled tours and grew longer to cover more ground. Later that decade, under the leadership of Werner Albek, Antonio's business partner, Globus pioneered the concept of Grand European Touring by offering first-class European tours to North Americans. By 1961, the company launched its Cosmos arm, which featured affordable, budget-priced European touring for the cost-conscious British traveler.
The coach tours were so successful that Cosmos soon introduced another form of travel for the British market: air holiday packages to the sunny destinations of southern Europe. By 1968, Cosmos air holidays became so popular the company formed its own airline, Monarch Airlines. Monarch Airlines started out modestly with two used Britannia aircraft and eventually blossomed into one of the most successful European charter companies with a large fleet of modern jets and its own engineering division.
Under the flagship of Sergio Mantegazza, current president and son of Antonio, the company began expanding its markets beyond Great Britain and North America. Since 1974, tour packages have been sold in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and most recently in Southeast Asia. Starting in the 70s, the company also aggressively expanded its tour offerings, introducing travelers to more countries than any other tour operator with packages to Africa, Antarctica, South and North America, Europe, the South Pacific, and Asia.
Today, the family of companies consists of more than 30 tourism and aviation businesses, serviced by a group of more than 5,000 professionals worldwide. Combined, Globus and Cosmos carry about 500,000 passengers a year making the company the leading operator of guided touring worldwide. Cosmos attributes its success to the ideals of founder Antonio Mantegazza. For three generations, his vision, hard work, love for travel, and commitment have guided the company. These values are the cornerstone on which Cosmos was built and will continue to grow.
By 1950, Globus Viaggi had grown to a fleet of 33 coaches and featured overnight excursions to Rome, Venice, the Dolomites, and the French Riviera. Gradually, these became regularly scheduled tours and grew longer to cover more ground. Later that decade, under the leadership of Werner Albek, Antonio's business partner, Globus pioneered the concept of Grand European Touring by offering first-class European tours to North Americans. By 1961, the company launched its Cosmos arm, which featured affordable, budget-priced European touring for the cost-conscious British traveler.
The coach tours were so successful that Cosmos soon introduced another form of travel for the British market: air holiday packages to the sunny destinations of southern Europe. By 1968, Cosmos air holidays became so popular the company formed its own airline, Monarch Airlines. Monarch Airlines started out modestly with two used Britannia aircraft and eventually blossomed into one of the most successful European charter companies with a large fleet of modern jets and its own engineering division.
Under the flagship of Sergio Mantegazza, current president and son of Antonio, the company began expanding its markets beyond Great Britain and North America. Since 1974, tour packages have been sold in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and most recently in Southeast Asia. Starting in the 70s, the company also aggressively expanded its tour offerings, introducing travelers to more countries than any other tour operator with packages to Africa, Antarctica, South and North America, Europe, the South Pacific, and Asia.
Today, the family of companies consists of more than 30 tourism and aviation businesses, serviced by a group of more than 5,000 professionals worldwide. Combined, Globus and Cosmos carry about 500,000 passengers a year making the company the leading operator of guided touring worldwide. Cosmos attributes its success to the ideals of founder Antonio Mantegazza. For three generations, his vision, hard work, love for travel, and commitment have guided the company. These values are the cornerstone on which Cosmos was built and will continue to grow.
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www.globusfamily.com.au |
| Welcome to our family of travel brands. The Globus family of brands provides the greatest variety of travel holidays addressing the needs of today's diverse traveller. Our experience through decades of refinement allows all of our brands to offer value, experience, and world-class customer service that is unmatched in the travel industry. | |
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www.globus.com.au |
| The combination of popular and innovative destinations, flawless service, and integrity, have earned Globus an enviable record in the travel industry. Customer loyalty is such that seven out of ten Globus customers have travelled with Globus before or have been recommended by past travellers - a notable achievement in a highly competitive industry. When it comes to escorted touring, Globus offers the finest first class tours throughout Europe, North America, South America and Asia. | |
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www.avalonwaterways.com.au |
| Experienced travellers agree that a small ship or river cruise is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore the wonders of Europe, Egypt, China and the Galapagos. However, regardless of the continent you choose to explore, your opportunities to discover the very best these destinations offer are endless with Avalon Waterways. With the newest river cruise ships and highest standard of service, cuisine and entertainment, Avalon Waterways is the ultimate in deluxe small ship and river cruising. | |
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www.cosmostours.com.au |
| For over three decades, Cosmos has opened up the worlds for savvy, practical travellers. Our expertly planned vacation packages combine all the benefits of group travel with the flexibility of independent free time to create a balanced experiece for each and every traveller. Our friendly, knowledgeable Tour Directors make every destination come to life and offer a wide variety of optional activities to heighten your enjoyment. | |
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| Monograms is 100% independent travel. When you desire to make the most of the world's exciting cities, MONOGRAMS lets you get to know a place like a local. You've probably travelled independently before, but with Monograms your vacation will be easier. Included are hotels, the services of a Local Host to help you on your way to the important sites, city sightseeing or orientation, transportation when you choose one of our city-combinations, and then you get to decide what to do for the rest of your trip. Monograms is featured as a touring style within the Globus website. | |











