Protravel International Acquires Austin Travel

New York City-based Protravel International has acquired Austin Travel, Inc. The move comes one year since Protravel acquired Rich Worldwide Travel in Westchester, NY, in addition to Nelson Custom Vacations on the West Coast and Sue Brown Travel in Boca Raton, FL.

Austin Travel Inc., a giant in the travel industry on Long Island in the state of New York, was founded by Larry Austin over a half century ago and has been family owned. He was subsequently joined by each of his three sons, including Jeff Austin who has for many years served as president and COO.

“We felt we had gone as far as possible as a regional company. With the strength and vitality of Protravel we believe we have moved Austin Travel onto a larger and more secure platform for future growth and development. The company is excited about continuing our travel careers with Protravel,” Austin said.

Austin Travel is on target hit $100 million in sales in 2010. When combined with the projected sales of Protravel International, this will elevate the company to anticipated sales of $750 million.

“For this merger to be successful we have to be sensitive to Austin’s long-established business practices and respectful of its dedicated employees who have professional and emotional ties to the company," Priscilla Alexander, founder and president of Protravel International said. "We will build on our combined strengths; we are both Virtuoso members with a similar client base, and we have a shared business philosophy based on providing premium service levels and measurable results for our clients.”

“Immediate steps have been taken to update systems and integrate operations,” said Tony Shepherd, COO at Protravel International. “High on the list is a change of address for the Woodmere [Long Island] office to a newly-built, upgraded location steps from its current address.”

For this purchase, Protravel International worked closely with Atlanta-based Innovative Travel Acquisitions for guidance and evaluation. Protravel continues to conservatively look for opportunities in the retail travel community to enhance and strengthen its core business. 

Visit www.ProtravelInc.com.