At the origin, the name Calafell Evasion directly referred to the town of Calafell, on the Costa Brava, where the activity began three decades ago. « Back then, we specialized in Costa Brava products and we worked as a local receptive operator for this destination », explains Jérôme Pouil, Chief Executive Officer.
But over the years, the company significantly broadened its scope. From the Costa Brava, the activity expanded to Spain, then to Portugal to cover the entire Iberian Peninsula. A gradual transformation that saw the company grow from three employees to nearly fifty today.
The recent acquisition of the Portuguese receptive Promenade, in April 2025, has also accelerated the consideration around a more global identity. « Calafell Evasion, Promenade… this was becoming complicated. We needed a name capable of representing the whole group and our long-term vision » says the leader.
But over the years, the company significantly broadened its scope. From the Costa Brava, the activity expanded to Spain, then to Portugal to cover the entire Iberian Peninsula. A gradual transformation that saw the company grow from three employees to nearly fifty today.
The recent acquisition of the Portuguese receptive Promenade, in April 2025, has also accelerated the consideration around a more global identity. « Calafell Evasion, Promenade… this was becoming complicated. We needed a name capable of representing the whole group and our long-term vision » says the leader.
A new identity, but the same spirit
The choice of the name Itinerea Group was not immediate. Several months of reflection were needed before finding a legally available and unifying appellation for the teams. « It is only a commercial brand; there is no change in the company or its spirit. We remain the same family business, close to our clients », insists Jérôme Pouil.
The company, historically oriented towards French coach operators, progressively diversified its client base by also working with tour operators and travel agencies. Despite this growth, the company maintains an artisanal positioning, particularly in group tourism.
« The receptive business remains a very human and artisanal métier, especially for groups. The current priority is to protect our teams, recruit, train and invest in technology », explains the leader.
The company, historically oriented towards French coach operators, progressively diversified its client base by also working with tour operators and travel agencies. Despite this growth, the company maintains an artisanal positioning, particularly in group tourism.
« The receptive business remains a very human and artisanal métier, especially for groups. The current priority is to protect our teams, recruit, train and invest in technology », explains the leader.
Madeira and Portugal at the heart of development
Among the recent novelties is the opening, since April 1, of a delegation in Madeira. A local colleague now officially represents the company there.
The destinations offered today cover Spain, Portugal, the Balearic Islands, the Canaries and Madeira, with a clear intent to stay focused on the Iberian Peninsula rather than dispersing into other markets.
The acquisition of Promenade already appears as a strategic success. According to Jérôme Pouil, activity in Portugal should record this year a growth between 30% and 40%.
The operation was conducted in a spirit of continuity with Mariana Delgado, former head of Promenade, with whom the leader had professional relations for more than twenty years.
« It was a logical evolution to strengthen our presence in Portugal in a lasting way », he says.
The destinations offered today cover Spain, Portugal, the Balearic Islands, the Canaries and Madeira, with a clear intent to stay focused on the Iberian Peninsula rather than dispersing into other markets.
The acquisition of Promenade already appears as a strategic success. According to Jérôme Pouil, activity in Portugal should record this year a growth between 30% and 40%.
The operation was conducted in a spirit of continuity with Mariana Delgado, former head of Promenade, with whom the leader had professional relations for more than twenty years.
« It was a logical evolution to strengthen our presence in Portugal in a lasting way », he says.
Technology and artificial intelligence
On the technology front, Itinerea Group is currently working on the development of new tools dedicated to group tourism, in partnership with a Spanish player.
Artificial intelligence is also among the priorities for the next two years.
« We have a technology migration program spanning one to two years. These are significant evolutions that require time and training », explains Jérôme Pouil.
If other opportunities for external growth could be studied in the future, the group primarily aims to consolidate its expertise in the Spanish and Portuguese markets, mainly with francophone clients.
Artificial intelligence is also among the priorities for the next two years.
« We have a technology migration program spanning one to two years. These are significant evolutions that require time and training », explains Jérôme Pouil.
If other opportunities for external growth could be studied in the future, the group primarily aims to consolidate its expertise in the Spanish and Portuguese markets, mainly with francophone clients.
Quebec and MICE in the sights
Simultaneously, Itinerea Group begins to develop the Francophone Canadian market, notably in Quebec, with longer stays and a different approach to cultural tourism.
The group also notes An increase in requests in the MICE and seminars segment, even though its core activity remains cultural tourism and leisure travel, particularly among the senior clientele.
« Calafell Evasion, that was our history and origins. Itinerea is the direction we want to take for the future », sums up Jérôme Pouil.
The group also notes An increase in requests in the MICE and seminars segment, even though its core activity remains cultural tourism and leisure travel, particularly among the senior clientele.
« Calafell Evasion, that was our history and origins. Itinerea is the direction we want to take for the future », sums up Jérôme Pouil.
