SAN JOSE, CALIF. - Direct Travel's leisure leadership team conducted its first face-to-face meeting at Secrets the Vine in Cancun October 6–8. After an 18 month period of nine separate acquisitions, this was the first time the leisure management group gathered in person to discuss its future, growth goals, and strategic supplier partnerships.
Today, Direct Travel's leisure division constitutes $145 million in annual sales. Gerard Bellino, Vice President Leisure for Direct Travel, states, "We are poised to double our size in 2016. It made perfect sense to gather now to establish both our vision and operational foundation for future growth. At this juncture, it was also critical to introduce Direct Travel's strategic partners in cruise, air, land and hotel to the team." Regional VPs and managers will cascade these directives to over 250 employees, independent contractors and support.
While Leisure constitutes only 8% of Direct Travel's Total Sales (now nearing $2 billion in annual sales), Bellino and his team are driving multiple initiatives that will exponentially enhance their organic growth in addition to what will come through the company's acquisition strategy. Direct Travel's robust luxury portfolio is one of its most significant assets and a core unit for expansion. As members of the most elite preferred groups of luxury hotels, Direct Travel can offer its clients the highest level of VIP status accompanied by exclusive members-only amenities. The luxury hotel program is being spearheaded by Victoria Boomgarden, President of Best Travel Gold, and travel concierge to some of the world's most affluent travelers. Boomgarden will be unveiling her new brand under the Direct Travel umbrella later this year and with it comes elite services for the new luxury traveler.
Another major initiative for Direct Travel is the cruise space, partnering closely with top cruise lines and developing a group program that will deliver more value to its clients. The cruise program is managed by Lanier Reid, a cruise industry veteran, who brings his 40+ years of industry experience to Direct Travel.
"Direct Travel will soon be at the forefront of the travel industry and its leisure division is already emerging as a major player" says Bellino. "The groundwork being laid today is the foundation for what is to come over the next 5 to 10 years for Direct Travel."
