Colorado-based travel management company Direct Travel has announced its acquisition of the British firm ATPI, a move that aims to enhance its global footprint in the travel industry. This merger is set to create a combined total travel volume exceeding $6 billion annually, encompassing corporate and leisure travel, specialized events, and other sectors.
Direct Travel, which has been operating for about 50 years, has a history of collaboration with ATPI, a company with a significant presence in over 90 countries. According to Direct Travel’s CEO, Christal Bemont, ATPI boasts a strong market share in specialty sectors such as oil, mining, and energy, while Direct Travel primarily serves the U.S. and Canadian markets, focusing largely on corporate travel.
The companies aim to improve customer experiences by merging their operations. Bemont noted that although they have collaborated on over 100 customers in the past, the merger will help streamline their services to better serve clients. ATPI’s CEO, Ian Sinderson, emphasized that the integration would allow them to combine their strengths in specialized services and technology.
Following the merger, the new entity will continue under the Direct Travel and ATPI brand, with Bemont as the CEO and Sinderson taking a leadership role. The newly formed company will employ around 4,400 people and will benefit from the synergies presented by their different markets and service offerings.
While recent trends indicate a resurgence in business travel post-COVID-19, challenges persist, and many travel management companies have faced difficulties adapting to advancements in technology. The Global Business Travel Association anticipates that global business travel could reach a record $1.57 trillion in 2025, although growth may be affected by global economic uncertainties.
For more information about Direct Travel, visit their website. For further details about ATPI, check here.