Club del Sole Acquires Le Gorette Cecina Campsite

Club del Sole, a prominent Italian hospitality group backed by The Equity Club and Aurora Growth Capital, has significantly bolstered its presence in the Italian holiday village sector with the acquisition of Le Gorette Cecina easy camping village. This strategic addition, located in Marina di Cecina along the picturesque Etruscan Coast in Tuscany, marks the group's 29th property and underscores its aggressive expansion strategy within the European leisure market.

The acquisition of Le Gorette Cecina is the latest in a series of strategic "add-on" transactions for Club del Sole, which has been actively consolidating its position in the open-air hospitality segment. This move follows closely on the heels of the group's February 2026 acquisition of Le Palme Lazise Family Collection, which expanded its footprint on the popular Lake Garda. The company, founded by the Giondi family in 1974, now operates a diverse portfolio spanning coastal resorts, mountain retreats, lakeside destinations, and even an urban village in Bologna, catering to a broad spectrum of tourist preferences.

This latest transaction highlights the ongoing investor appetite for well-positioned leisure assets, particularly those in the camping and glamping sector, which has demonstrated resilience and growth potential. The Italian tourism market, a significant contributor to the national GDP, continues to attract substantial investment, driven by both domestic and international demand for unique and accessible holiday experiences. The open-air segment, in particular, has benefited from a post-pandemic shift towards outdoor activities and nature-based tourism.

Club del Sole, operating under the umbrella of CDS Holding spa, has demonstrated a clear trajectory of growth. The group reported a robust turnover of €130 million for the fiscal year 2025 and has set an ambitious target to reach €170 million in revenue by 2028. This expansion is fueled by strategic investments from its financial partners, including The Equity Club, which holds a significant stake, and Aurora Growth Capital, both of whom are instrumental in supporting the group's buy-and-build strategy. The successful integration of new properties like Le Gorette Cecina is crucial for achieving these financial objectives and enhancing the group's overall market share.

The acquisition of Le Gorette Cecina is particularly noteworthy for strengthening Club del Sole's foothold in Tuscany, a region renowned for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, attracting millions of visitors annually. This expansion into a prime coastal location is expected to enhance the group's appeal to families and international travelers seeking sun, sea, and outdoor activities. The company's diversified geographical spread across Italy positions it favorably to capture varied seasonal demands and capitalize on regional tourism trends.

Industry analysts observe that the consolidation trend within the European camping and holiday village sector is likely to continue, driven by economies of scale, operational efficiencies, and the ability to offer a more comprehensive range of services and amenities. Club del Sole's consistent M&A activity, supported by its private equity backers, places it at the forefront of this trend, positioning the company for sustained growth and enhanced competitive advantage in a dynamic market.