TORONTO, MONTREAL and DENVER - Vision Travel, the largest independent travel management company in Canada, announced an agreement to merge with Direct Travel, Inc., one of the top travel management companies in the United States. Vision Travel will continue to operate in Canada under its existing name and brand.
This move is the first step toward a shared strategy to build a global company. Vision's executive team will remain in place: Brian Robertson will continue as President of Vision Travel, Ontario West Region, and Joel Ostrov will continue as President, Quebec East Region, working in tandem with Direct Travel's executive team.
"Coming together with Direct Travel makes sense for our business in North America," says Brian Robertson, President, Vision Travel (Ontario West). "Our companies share the same values and commitment to providing our customers with high quality services, and a more personalized approach to travel."
The combined companies will enhance services by extending their global reach, allowing them to fulfill the unique needs of their local markets through stronger relationships and more buying power across one organization. Together, Vision and Direct Travel will provide customers with more choice, while allowing them to continue to work with their established and trusted providers.
"We are excited about what this merger offers our customers," says Joel Ostrov, President, Vision Travel (Quebec East). "We are enhancing our travel management services overall and offering the most advanced technologies to our customers."
With close to 2,000 team members across North America, Vision Travel and Direct Travel represent over $3 billion USD in sales. The expanded organization will have offices in over 60 locations.
Ed Adams, CEO of Direct Travel adds, "This is a tremendous growth opportunity for both companies and will benefit our clients by broadening our position as leaders in travel well into the future."
The agreement is scheduled to be finalized by April 30, 2017.
