Direct Travel acquires partner ATPI

TMCs have $6bn combined annual travel revenue

Corporate travel management company Direct Travel Inc has acquired its long-time strategic partner ATPI.

The move creates one of the world’s largest travel management companies, with the two recording more than US$6 billion in annual revenue.

Direct Travel says the acquisition is ‘a natural progression’ of the two companies’ collaboration in the corporate, leisure, events, and specialised travel sectors.

The firm says the deal will accelerate the international rollout of Avenir Travel Edition, Direct Travel’s real-time intelligence platform for business travellers and travel managers.

Direct Travel chief executive Christal Bemont said: “ATPI has a commanding presence in the international travel management space and a strong history of collaboration with Direct Travel, making them a perfect fit to strengthen our efforts in delivering exceptional service at scale. 

“This partnership represents a pivotal moment in reshaping managed travel, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions and a seamless experience for clients across a range of sectors and of all sizes and locations.”

Ian Sinderson, chief executive of ATPI, added: “ATPI and Direct Travel have long held a shared vision for reimagining how the world connects, underpinning a successful commercial partnership. 

“Bringing our two organisations together will enable us to better serve clients collectively, through the combination of our specialised services, innovative technologies, and highly skilled customer teams. 

“By bolstering our already strong position in travel technology and highly specialised travel support, we will combine to provide a compelling alternative to mega-agencies for global travel throughout our range of extensive geographic markets and business lines.”