In 2024, Direct Travel began a bold new chapter following its acquisition by an investor group led by Concur founder Steve Singh. Our mission then was as clear as it is today: to reimagine the future of travel and come one step closer to making ‘The Perfect Trip’ a reality. Now, with the acquisition of our long-time partner ATPI, we’re taking the next leap.
As a unified global force, Direct Travel and ATPI will represent $6 billion in annual travel volume and serve clients in 100 countries worldwide. But this isn’t just about size, it’s about scale with purpose. We’re building a true global powerhouse that challenges the status quo of travel management by combining scale, innovation, and personalized service to meet the evolving needs of businesses everywhere.
Here’s how that commitment comes to life and what this global expansion means for our clients, suppliers, and teams.
A Future Rooted in Shared History
This union is not the beginning of a relationship, but rather, the natural evolution of one. Direct Travel and ATPI have partnered closely since 2017, working side by side to support clients with complex, multinational needs. Together, we’ve combined Direct Travel’s high-touch service with ATPI’s international expertise to deliver flexible, global travel programs.
Over the years, our partnership has grown far beyond shared systems and transnational logistics. Our teams have walked the same tradeshow floors together, served our clients as a combined front on the global stage, and built trust through countless conversations and collaborations. In the process, many team members have celebrated career milestones and formed lasting friendships with their global counterparts.
It’s these shared experiences — professional and personal — that have laid the foundation for this moment. By formally uniting, we’re not just combining two companies; we’re bringing together two communities who already know how to succeed together, and who are ready to set a new global standard for client care and innovation.
Why This Matters for Our Clients
As we take this next step, our focus remains on blending modern technology with personal care to create an experience that clients can trust.
Most importantly, this expansion means our clients don’t have to choose between global scale and human care — they can have both. They’ll see the advantages of a larger network, industry-leading technology, and expanded expertise, all delivered with the same personal attention that sets us apart.
As we expand, we’re also excited to build on the specialty strengths that ATPI brings in marine, energy, mining, and sports travel — just as Direct Travel has long complemented corporate programs with our leadership in leisure and meetings & events. Together, we’re positioned to support clients across every segment of travel by providing:
- Global reach, local expertise: With ATPI’s international footprint now part of our network, clients will benefit from local knowledge, in-country support, and compliance expertise in 100 markets worldwide. This ensures consistency at a global level while meeting the unique requirements of each region.
- Next-gen technology: The international rollout of Avenir: Travel Edition will accelerate, giving more companies access to a connected, intuitive booking platform powered by Spotnana. Clients will have access to the broadest range of content, unmatched traveler support, and advanced analytics. Plus, with its open architecture framework supporting seamless integrations from other tech providers, we can deliver continuous innovation in a single platform.
- Personalized service at scale: Where mega-agencies often sacrifice care for size, our combined company will remain grounded in a commitment to service excellence. With a 97% retention rate across both organizations, our record speaks for itself: We put our customers first.
By combining our people, technology, and services, we’re building a truly global solution, one that offers expanded reach and resources without losing the personalized service that makes Direct Travel unique.
Growing Global Partnerships
Our expansion isn’t just about serving clients. It also creates new opportunities for our partners and suppliers. Airlines, hotels, technology providers, and other suppliers will benefit from working with a stronger, united platform. As a unified travel provider, we can create efficiencies and agreements that deliver more value across regions while continuing the open, collaborative approach our partners have always experienced with Direct Travel.
What won’t change is our commitment to relationships. Our partners will still work with the same dedicated teams who know the business and understand our shared goals. Now, those relationships will be supported by a larger global platform — one that helps us all grow together while staying true to the personal connections that make partnerships thrive.
Looking Ahead
At the heart of this acquisition isn’t the drive to be the biggest, it’s the determination to be the best partner for your journey. Behind every successful trip is a team of dedicated people, and by uniting Direct Travel and ATPI, we’re creating an environment where both our teams and our clients can thrive.
Together we are setting a new industry standard, pairing modern technology with personalized care, all delivered on a truly global scale. On behalf of all of us at Direct Travel, I want to thank our clients, partners, and employees for placing your trust in us. We’re excited to embark on this next chapter with you, reimagining the future of travel one trip at a time.
