ALTOUR, one of the world’s largest independent agencies, has been selected as the official and exclusive provider of services for all American Express U.S. Representative Travel Network Agency Members. In exchange, ALTOUR has been invited to become a member of the U.S. Representative Travel Network, where member agencies will be able to leverage ALTOUR’s proprietary travel services to increase their leisure and corporate sales.
In its announcement of the new joint program, American Express said ALTOUR services will supplement the products and programs American Express already makes available to leisure and corporate clients through its Representative Travel Network. This includes American Express Vacations, Mariners’ Club, Gold Card Destinations, and its Fine Hotels & Resorts Program.
“This new relationship offers more opportunities for the Network to extend our leadership in the travel industry and provide access to American Express Travel benefits to an even larger group of customers and Cardmembers, said Ellen Bettridge, vice president of Retail Travel Network for American Express Travel.
“This agreement does not change the ownership structure of the company,"
said Alexandre Chemla, president and owner, ALTOUR. "Our collaboration with American Express allows us to partner with an industry giant to jointly employ our knowledge, technology and experience for the benefit of ALTOUR clients and the American Express Travel Network agencies while maintaining ALTOUR’S independent agency status, unique corporate identity and distinctive brand.”
Established in 1991, and with a travel volume of over $570 million, ALTOUR is among the largest independent agencies serving the luxury and mid-market travel niches today. It has 21 offices and more than 700 travel professionals throughout the U.S. and in Europe.
Complementing its core travel management business, ALTOUR has developed a family of companies including Altour Limousine, Altour Air, Altour Classic Cruise and Travel, Altour Travel Master, Altour Incentive Management, and Altour Management Technology.
Visit www.ALTOUR.com.