Direct Travel, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Best Travel & Tours, Inc.11/14/2014, 12:09 pm
DENVER, CO, November 14, 2014 – Direct Travel Inc., one of the nation’s leading travel management companies, today announced that it has acquired Best Travel & Tours, Inc. (Best Travel) of Chicago, Illinois. This move marks the company’s fifth acquisition this year, and comes just weeks following their announcement of the acquisition of Child Albany Travel of New York and Vermont.
Founded in 1969, Best Travel is a thriving Chicago agency specializing in corporate, leisure/luxury and group travel. With sales volume totaling $207 Million, Best Travel is ranked in the top one percent of all Travel Management Companies in North America, and has earned a reputation for exceptional customer service across the region. Guy Bernacchi, CEO of Best Travel comments, “We were thrilled to see that our companies embrace the same unique management philosophy. We leverage globally, structure regionally, and manage locally. I strongly believe this is a key compatibility.” Bernacchi adds, “For our clients, becoming part of Direct Travel reinforces our unrelenting commitment to quality, service and value that has characterized our agency and people for over 45 years.”
“This move substantiates our sheer determination to drive our expansion efforts through strong, strategic acquisitions, complementing our overall mission to focus on the middle market customer,” said Ed Adams, CEO of Direct Travel.
Lisa Buckner, Direct Travel Regional President comments, “Our cultures are well aligned around strong business results and a client-centric focus that emphasizes traveler satisfaction as one of the most important indicators of our success.” Buckner adds, “We were drawn to Best Travel because of their strong value proposition, impeccable reputation and employee empowerment that characterizes their agency today. We are delighted to welcome the Best Travel team into the Direct Travel Family.”
Judy Anglada, Executive Vice President of Operations and Technology for Best Travel, will assume the role of President at Best Travel following the transition.
About Best Travel & Tours, Inc.
Founded in 1969, Best Travel is a full-service Travel Management Company specializing in corporate, leisure and group travel. Best Travel is ranked in the top one percent of all Travel Management Companies in North America, and has four offices throughout the greater Chicago area. Best Travel has been successfully managing travel programs for over 45 years, and brings a sales volume of $207 Million. Alpharetta, Georgia-based Innovative Travel Acquisitions, Inc. represented Best Travel.
About Direct Travel, Inc.
Direct Travel, Inc. is a privately held corporation established in 2011 with the goal to create a best-in-class TMC through acquisition and organic growth. Direct Travel has been providing travel management services for over 40 years; by working with clients to develop highly customized travel programs. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative solutions, Direct Travel helps clients derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, internet-based technologies, and significant cost savings.
Direct Travel has locations in Paramus, NJ; New York City and Albany, NY; Portland, ME; Burlington, Vermont; Baltimore, MD; Scranton, PA; Naples, FL; Greenville, SC; Nashville, TN; Milwaukee, WI; Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO; San Francisco and San Jose, CA. Direct Travel is ranked among the top US corporate travel management companies. For more information about Direct Travel, please visit our website at www.dt.com.
Corporate Communications Contact
Amanda Wesley
Director, Strategic Corporate Communications
Direct Travel, Inc.
201.847.2306 | [email protected]
Media Contact
Sarah Buzzinotti
Marketing Director
Direct Travel, Inc.
952.746.2820 | [email protected]
