The Mark Travel Corporation has announced it has reached an agreement with the intent to acquire New York-based Exclusive Group Travel (EGT).
In a statement announcing the decision The Mark Travel Corporation said that the move would result in increased booking options for travel agents when booking group vacations, and that it would provide the company with additional expertise in call center and groups support. The additional support will operate out of EGT’s New York-based offices.
In a message to travel agents provided by Steve Gorga, president and CEO of EGT parent company Tourism Holdings, Inc., the acquisition will take place as of April 1.
“This acquisition brings many positive changes for EGT agents,” Gorga said. “The Mark Travel Corporation is one of the most recognized and respected companies in the industry offering industry leading perks, programs and benefits to travel agents, many of which EGT agents have been requesting for the past few years.”
Following the acquisition the EGT brand will operate as part of Funjet Vacations, which is owned by The Mark Travel Corporation. Over the next several weeks, the EGT and Mark Travel teams will be working together to make the transition as seamless as possible for future bookings, policies and procedures, Gorga said.
Additionally, over the next few weeks, travel agents’ sales support will be transitioned to a member of Mark Travel’s nationwide sales team. The EGT sales team will remain in place for a number of weeks to help with the transition. If agents have not worked with Mark Travel before, a member of the team will reach out in the next few weeks.
“We have been successful over the past three years due in large part to the support of travel agent community,” Gorga said. “The Mark Travel Corporation’s acquisition of our organization will enable travel agents to avail themselves of more resources, tools and training to help build and grow their business.”
Founded in 2014, Exclusive Group Travel is a tour operator selling exclusively to travel agents. It specializes in FIT and group travel, with a primary focus on vacation destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Miami, Florida.
Founded in 1974, The Mark Travel Corporation owns and manages vacation brands including Funjet Vacations, Blue Sky Tours, United Vacations, Southwest Vacations and more.