Travel Leaders Network and its sister brand, Travel Leaders Corporate, have launched a large-scale international expansion program designed to provide enhanced service to the two brands’ corporate customers. To date, 40 travel agencies from Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia have become new members of Travel Leaders Network, with more agencies expected to join over the coming months.
“We are creating a network of agencies that will serve as connective tissue enabling us to respond to larger opportunities both regionally and internationally,” said Roger E. Block, president of Travel Leaders Network, in a written statement. He also said that the scale, technology and tools available through Travel Leaders would allow the newly joined agencies to provide enhanced service.
Along with its previously existing international members, Travel Leaders Network now has agency representation in nearly 50 countries, the company said. 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.
“Our plan is to sign one exclusive Travel Leaders representative in key countries around the globe,” said Block.
The newly joined international members will have access to Travel Leaders’ suite of resources, including online booking tools, marketing programs, the company’s extensive hotel program, including its SELECT Hotels & Resorts Program, international destination company (DMC) network and access to a vast array of education and training resources. Additionally, members will be able to support both international accounts and local customers through Travel Leaders’ technology suite that provides profile management, online trip authorization, data consolidation and analytics, meetings technology and customer reporting tools. International partners will also have access to some of the marquee leisure programs offered by Travel Leaders Network, the company said.
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,” said Gabe Rizzi, president of Travel Leaders Corporate.
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.
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