Mangia’s, formerly known as Aeroviaggi before rebranding last year, owns 13 properties in Sicily and Sardinia, which are primarily four and five star hotels.

Balzan takes on the role of chief commercial officer at Mangia’s and will relocate from Majorca to his new employer’s head office in Palermo, Sicily, when he starts his new role in September.

Mangia’s has previously focused on the local Italian and French markets, but wants to expand its reach into other European markets, such as the UK.

This follows an €85 million investment by Hotel Investment Partners (HIP), a subsidiary of private equity giant Blackstone, which will see six of the properties refurbished as part of a joint venture with Mangia’s.

Balzan told TTG Mangia’s was in the process of signing deals with major UK tour operators and bed banks to offer its hotels to the UK market for summer 2023.

He is also planning a trip to the UK this autumn to meet with operators, as well as attending WTM London in November as part of the Italian area of the show.

Balzan was previously Iberostar’s vice-president, global sales and market development, EMEA. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the travel industry including roles with Thomas Cook and Barcelo hotels.

Aeroviaggi Spa Group was founded by Antonio Mangia in Palermo in 1973, with the Mangia family continuing to operate the company’s hotels and remain a shareholder in the joint venture with HIP.