Italian luxury travel group Arsenale has acquired a 33% strategic stake in SJourney, the Vietnamese luxury rail brand operating an eight-day sleeper journey between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The 1,726km north-to-south rail cruise traverses some of Vietnam’s most scenic and culturally significant destinations. Through the partnership, SJourney will gain access to Arsenale’s international commercial network, distribution channels and luxury-rail expertise, supporting its global brand-building efforts and future product development.
Arsenale and SJourney plan to invest about €20 million (US$23.2 million) over the next five years to upgrade infrastructure, develop the product and expand luxury rail operations into neighbouring Southeast Asian markets. Arsenale also intends to increase its shareholding to 50%, creating an equal partnership.
The deal marks Arsenale’s first direct move into Vietnam and strengthens its footprint in Asia. The group is behind Italy’s La Dolce Vita Orient Express, has acquired UK-based Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, and is developing luxury rail projects in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Uzbekistan and Egypt.
Arsenale chief executive Paolo Barletta said the investment reflects Vietnam’s potential as a market for high-end, experience-led tourism, as well as the group’s ambition to develop a wider network of luxury rail journeys rooted in their destinations.