TLN Launches International Expansion Initiative
Travel Leaders Network has embarked upon a large-scale international expansion program to expand opportunities and provide enhanced service to corporate customers.
To date, 40 major travel agencies from Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia have become new members of Travel Leaders Network. Many more agencies are expected to join over the coming months.
Roger E. Block, CTC, president of Travel Leaders Network, said of the international expansion: “We are creating a network of agencies that will serve as connective tissue enabling us to respond to larger opportunities both regionally and internationally.”
And Block continued: “These agencies, now backed by the scale, technology and tools available through Travel Leaders, are positioned to provide an even more customized, personalized and superior level of service to existing and new clients within their respective geographies.”
New members, some of which are among the largest corporate travel agencies in their countries, join several existing international members of Travel Leaders Network. Combined, the network now has agency representation in nearly 50 countries. Additionally, Travel Leaders Group agencies across the U.S., Canada, the UK and Mexico, inclusive of CTS (Corporate Travel Services), will play a significant role in the international expansion.
Block explained: “Our plan is to sign one exclusive Travel Leaders representative in key countries around the globe. We are engaging partners who can offer a full portfolio of corporate, leisure and events services and are recognized in their country and by their peers as service-oriented, successful agencies.”
New international members will have access to Travel Leaders’ comprehensive suite of resources.
Gabe Rizzi, president of Travel Leaders Corporate, said: “This expansion program is transforming both Travel Leaders Network and Travel Leaders Corporate into more robust international players with stronger abilities and reach enabling true multi-national account management based upon a highly personalized service model on an international scale.”
Rizzi pointed out that: “Clients will be serviced by local agencies who are leaders in their markets providing premium corporate travel services supported by a vast array of technology. These innovative agencies are now backed by one of the largest travel agency networks in the world. We’re not a call center operation and neither are they. That’s our sweet spot and our competitive difference.”
Member support will be provided on a regional basis with key positions located in each region, including Latin America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific.
“We have hired regional sales professionals in the areas of sales, operations, technology and account management to create a more localized support structure to best serve the needs of our international members,” Rizzi added.
Angeles Yugdar, senior vice president of international markets for Travel Leaders Group, is leading the expansion efforts and overseeing the new regional team members.
Kevin Brown, vice president of international sales for Travel Leaders Corporate, is also serving in a key role.
New regional team members include Carina Fernandez Grenno, regional partner management director, Latin America; Susan Lancaster, regional partner management director, Europe, Middle East and Africa; Pat Siow, regional partner management director, Asia Pacific.
Go to www.TravelLeaders.com for more.
