Welcome on board
With over 25 years of experience in the travel retail industry, elevated expertise, and an extensive network of international public relations, AKA Connection ushers in a new era of business consulting—driven by innovation, advanced technologies, and a forward-thinking approach. Specializing in elite networking and business acceleration, AKA Connection empowers international companies and manufacturers operating in selective, high-value markets, enabling them to achieve exceptional and exponential growth. Our strength lies in a robust network of global contacts, an impeccable reputation, and unparalleled credibility—earned through decades of dedication and proven success in the travel retail and duty-free sectors. At AKA Connection, we transform exclusive opportunities into measurable results, guiding your business toward a future rich with extraordinary potential
AKA Connection
AKA Connection, we take businesses to new destinations. Through our technology and strategic connections, we identify where they should expand and pinpoint the regions where they can establish strong roots.
We specialize in unlocking opportunities by strategically connecting companies in selective markets with the most relevant networks.
Our mission is to help businesses thrive and grow their revenue through collaborations that inspire progress and generate value in every interaction, investing in new markets and exclusive opportunities we access firsthand.
We offer unparalleled expertise in connecting people, businesses, and destinations within the travel retail and duty-free ecosystem.
We enhance customer experiences by linking businesses with strategic partners, opening doors to exclusive markets and privileged opportunities.
Thanks to our deep understanding of the travel retail sector, we help our clients discover new paths to growth, build strategic collaborations, and achieve long-term success in one of the world’s most dynamic and high-value industries.
With AKA Connection, bringing people together is not just about creating links—it’s about building a future and shaping new worlds. Every connection is an act of future.
Why choose
Travel Retail
With over 1 billion people traveling internationally each year, travel retail offers unparalleled opportunities to engage with a global audience. The high purchasing propensity during travel creates a unique environment where brands can connect with consumers in meaningful ways.
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Through data-driven insights, travel retail enables businesses to precisely understand and reach their target audience, ensuring exceptional product visibility—from luxury goods to everyday essentials—placing them in front of diverse, high-value customers.
Travel retail is not just a market; it is a strategic platform for enhancing brand recognition, increasing sales, and fostering sustainable long-term growth.
In travel retail, every connection becomes a strategic advantage, helping businesses thrive in a highly competitive landscape.
It is the core of our identity, shaping our expertise, vision, and approach to creating value for our clients.
From understanding the unique dynamics of global travel hubs to building connections that drive innovation, our deep travel retail experience enables us to achieve outstanding results. We are dedicated to transforming opportunities into success—whether by elevating luxury brands, optimizing customer experiences, or unlocking growth in new markets.
With AKA Connection, travel retail is in our DNA.
AKA Connection, travel retail is in our DNA.
It lies at the heart of our identity, shaping our expertise, vision, and approach to creating value for our clients.
From understanding the unique dynamics of global travel hubs to building connections that drive innovation, our deep roots in the travel retail sector enable us to achieve exceptional results. We are dedicated to transforming opportunities into success—whether it’s elevating luxury brands, optimizing customer experiences, or unlocking growth in new markets.
Travel Retail is not just what we do—it’s who we are: our DNA
"La Mariani"
Stefania Mariani, known as “La Mariani,” launched her personal brand in 1997, becoming one of the youngest designers to showcase alongside fashion icons during Fashion Week.
Her spectacular show at the Rizzoli Bookstore in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele marked her success.
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In 2002, leveraging her expertise and visionary approach, Stefania founded a prestigious buying office for luxury fashion brands in travel retail, pioneering the cruise industry sector.
The company quickly became the leading fashion distributor and concessionaire on cruise ships, later expanding into Russian airports and diplomatic stores, solidifying its position as a key industry reference.
In 2021, after an extraordinary career in travel retail and years of success, Stefania made a strategic decision: she sold her company to a publicly traded firm.
This decision marked a new phase in her life. With a unique wealth of experience, “La Mariani” chose to reinvent herself once again, traveling the world.
Thus, AKA was born—an avant-garde business accelerator offering top-tier consulting services in collaboration with international partners.
Today, AKA Connection stands as a leader in creating new opportunities across various categories, with a specialized focus on the food sector, exploring new frontiers and once again demonstrating the ability to transform every project into a success.
Also Know As
Stefania Mariani, known as “La Mariani,” launched her personal brand in 1997, becoming one of the youngest designers to showcase alongside fashion icons during Fashion Week.
Her spectacular show at the Rizzoli Bookstore in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele marked her success.
READ MORE
In 2002, leveraging her expertise and visionary approach, Stefania founded a prestigious buying office for luxury fashion brands in travel retail, pioneering the cruise industry sector.
The company quickly became the leading fashion distributor and concessionaire on cruise ships, later expanding into Russian airports and diplomatic stores, solidifying its position as a key industry reference.
In 2021, after an extraordinary career in travel retail and years of success, Stefania made a strategic decision: she sold her company to a publicly traded firm.
This decision marked a new phase in her life. With a unique wealth of experience, “La Mariani” chose to reinvent herself once again, traveling the world.
Thus, AKA was born—an avant-garde business accelerator offering top-tier consulting services in collaboration with international partners.
Today, AKA Connection stands as a leader in creating new opportunities across various categories, with a specialized focus on the food sector, exploring new frontiers and once again demonstrating the ability to transform every project into a success.
Inspiration
As Heraclitus taught, travel is transformation; inspired by Aristotelian ethics, I create connections that enhance work and virtue; guided by Seneca’s vision of friendship as mutual support, I build authentic relationships to accelerate success.
I believe every business is a journey toward shared achievement.
Stefania Anna R. Mariani
WhereWe Stand Out
AKA Connection: A Global Leader in Strategic Connections.
We excel in creating meaningful connections worldwide, leveraging our unparalleled expertise in duty-free, travel retail, and hospitality.
Through targeted analysis, we develop tailor-made strategies, ensuring impactful and tangible results.
Our proven track record of success demonstrates our commitment to delivering excellence and driving our partners toward success.
Our strengths:
We also stand out in enhancing excellence
Distribution and consulting
Two services, one network.
Distribution
We bring selected products to our clients: airlines and inflight services, airports, cruise ships, hotels and companies looking for exclusive corporate gifts.
Discover moreConsulting
We guide brands and producers who want to enter or grow in travel retail: positioning, strategy and introductions to the right partners.
Discover more What we bring
Three worlds, one standard: excellence that belongs in the most exclusive channels of travel retail and hospitality.
Who we work with
Brands & producers
Food, beauty, fashion and exclusive goods companies that rely on our consulting to reach the world of travel retail.
Who we work with
Our clients
Airlines and inflight services, airports, cruise ships, hotels and companies choosing exclusive corporate gifts.
Which journey is yours?
Do you want to become our client, or do you need our consulting? Tell us about your business and we will get back to you.