The Sakkara Group International (SGI) has purchased a 100 percent ownership interest in Central Holidays, a leading tour operator specializing in travel throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.  Central Holidays will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity, managed by a board of directors, and will retain its name. Joe Berardo will join the board of directors as an honorary member. Fred Berardo will remain in his role as president and will now focus solely on new business development. Gianni Miradoli will serve as acting CEO, reporting to SGI’s board of directors, and will handle day-to-day operations of the company. STI Travel USA, headed by Gary Greis, board member of SGI, will relocate to the Central Holidays global headquarters in Moonachie, N.J.

“It is our aim to build on the company’s (Central Holidays’) strong destination expertise, commitment to the travel agent community, and high levels of quality and service, while also making new investments strategically,” said Baher Ghabbour, chairman of SGI, a global travel organization that owns and operates a portfolio of tourism companies, hotels and cruise businesses. This acquisition is the next step in the planned expansion of SGI’s portfolio of tour operator companies, which also includes STI Travel USA, STI UK, STI India, and STI Voyages based in France.

 “As we enter this next phase of expansion, it’s a very exciting time at Central Holidays, Miradoli said. “We are thrilled to join with such successful leaders in global travel and tourism to help drive our ongoing growth in the tour sector. Their experience in positively developing travel companies gives Central Holidays new insight and their financial investment gives us a wider and longer runway for attaining the growth we seek.” For more information, call 800-935-5000 or visit www.centralholidays.com or www.sakkaragroup.com.