Gorga Staying with American Express After Travel Impressions Purchase

steve gorgaIn a press release Apple Leisure Group has announced the completion of its acquisition of Travel Impressions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express Travel Related Services.

Steve Gorga has voluntarily chosen to transition to an advisory position within American Express, where he will continue to play an active role in the integration of Travel Impressions into Apple Leisure Group, Apple Leisure Group says. John Hanratty, chief operating officer of Travel Impressions, will assume leadership of the Travel Impressions business, including the American Express Vacations brand, in this same capacity.

"We are confident that his deep industry experience and commitment to providing award-winning, customer-focused programs and service will result in the business continuing to thrive," the company says.

As part of the agreement Travel Impressions will be licensing the American Express Vacations brand. The Travel Impressions and American Express Vacations brands will remain intact and will continue to be managed separately from Apple Vacations, with all three brands co-existing within the Apple Leisure Group portfolio, the company reports.

Travel Impressions also reaffirmed its commitment to the travel agent community, saying there are no plans to change Travel Impressions’ existing “agent-only” distribution model.

Reservations systems and call centers will remain fully operational throughout the transition, the company reports.