U.S.-based travel management company Direct Travel, Inc. has announced an agreement to merge with Vision Travel, Inc., the largest independent travel management company in Canada.
Direct Travel said that the move is the first step towards a shared strategy to build a global company. Direct Travel's executive team will remain in place, and will gain the additions of Brian Robertson as president, Vision Travel, Ontario West Region, and Joel Ostrov as president, Quebec East Region.
In a written release announcing the agreement Ed Adams, CEO of Direct Travel, said that the opportunity to move business into Canada was a natural progression for the company.
The combined companies said that the move will enhance services by extending their global reach, allowing them to fulfill the unique needs of their local markets through stronger relationships and more buying power across one organization. Together, Direct Travel and Vision said that the agreement will provide customers with more choice, while allowing them to continue to work with their established and trusted providers.
Adams said that the move was a growth opportunity for both companies.
With close to 2,000 employees across North America, Direct Travel and Vision Travel represent over $3 billion in sales, and the expanded organization will have offices in over 60 locations. Direct Travel has been providing travel management services for over 40 years, working with clients to develop customized travel programs. The company is a member of the Virtuoso luxury travel network.
The agreement is scheduled to be finalized by April 30, 2017.
Visit www.dt.com and www.visiontravel.ca