On January 1st, a significant milestone in the travel industry was reached as Travel Leaders Franchise Group, encompassing Travel Leaders Associates and Results! Travel, officially merged with Vacation.com to form Travel Leaders Network. This powerful union, initially announced in August 2016, has created a leading force in travel agency solutions, boasting nearly 7,000 locations across the United States and Canada. Travel Leaders Network is uniquely positioned to offer both franchise and affiliate solutions, catering to the diverse needs and objectives of individual travel agencies seeking growth and enhanced profitability.
This strategic merger is designed to propel member agencies into a new era of success. By combining the strengths of these established organizations, Travel Leaders Network delivers accelerated growth opportunities and a wealth of enhanced benefits to its members. These advantages include cutting-edge technological advancements, sophisticated marketing capabilities, premier partnerships with industry-leading suppliers, comprehensive training and support programs, and exclusive value-added initiatives designed to give member agencies a competitive edge in today’s dynamic travel market.
Roger Block, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Network, emphasized the significance of this merger in his year-end message to members. He stated that Travel Leaders Network is poised to become “one powerful force” empowering member agencies to compete more effectively for travelers. As the undisputed leader in luxury travel, cruises, river cruises, and tours within the travel agency sector, the newly formed network leverages unparalleled strength and cohesive industry presence. This translates directly into expanded opportunities and exclusive promotions for travel advisors to offer their clients, strengthening relationships with key supplier partners and enhancing the overall value proposition for travelers.
John Lovell, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Network and Leisure Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the overwhelmingly positive response from members leading up to the official launch. Travel agent members recognize the tangible advantages of a unified Travel Leaders Network, understanding that it will be instrumental in driving further business growth and enabling them to provide superior service to their clients. A key driver of excitement is the enhanced lead generation potential offered by “Agent Profiler,” Travel Leaders Network’s award-winning and innovative tool designed to connect travelers with the perfect specialist travel agent.
The future looks bright for members of Travel Leaders Network, who are enthusiastic about the continued access to exceptional programs and services that are specifically designed to boost sales and foster business development. The testimonials from current members speak volumes about the tangible benefits of being part of the network.
Christy Prescott, a Travel Leaders Associate from San Antonio, Texas, shared her experience: “Since joining Travel Leaders, our business has grown significantly due to the support and programs offered. The training offered has taken my staff to a new level. We fully anticipate continued growth as part of Travel Leaders Network.” Her words underscore the impact of Travel Leaders Network’s resources on agency growth and professional development.
Mimi Comfort, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate from Kansas City, Missouri, enthusiastically stated, “Mark and I have been so thrilled since Cruise Holidays became a part of Vacation.com. The marketing and support we’ve received has saved us thousands of dollars and has allowed us to have the most profitable year in our 28 years of business. Now with the merger of Travel Leaders, Results! Travel and Vacation.com, it can only get better. I never thought in a million years that we would feel so valued in an organization this size, but it has been incredible. There is help with whatever we need to be successful and I can’t wait to see what 2017 brings!” Mimi’s testimonial highlights the significant cost savings, enhanced support, and feeling of value that members experience within the network.
Martha Stanley, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate based in Chicago, Illinois, emphasized the practical benefits for servicing clients: “Travel Leaders has not only boosted my commissions, but also my ability to service my client requests. The extensive airline commission structures together with ease-of-use ticketing instructions greatly assist me when ticketing high revenue flights. The In-Country Partners website, including RFP link, is terrific. I’ve found many excellent DMCs who have all replied promptly to requests and have already had a few execute multiple itineraries for my clients.” Martha’s feedback points to the improved commission structures, streamlined ticketing processes, and valuable resources like the In-Country Partners website that enhance agents’ efficiency and service capabilities.
Michelle Weller, a Travel Leaders Associate from Houston, Texas, highlighted the comprehensive support system: “Travel Leaders has been the best resource for our company. Some of the key elements of success are directly tied to the in-house corporate technology support team and Worldwide Hotel Program where many of the hotels offer rates that are less expensive than government rates. Our clients get the benefit of the technology and the inside contacts to our supplier partners, including airlines, hoteliers and car rental companies. As far as leisure is concerned, Agent Profiler is the best in the business for connecting clients to proper specialized agents. Supplier partners from river and deep water cruise lines to tour operators give us access to special exclusive offers not found anywhere else. I love Travel Leaders! A big fan!” Michelle’s testimonial encapsulates the breadth of benefits, from technology and hotel programs to Agent Profiler and exclusive supplier offers, reinforcing the value proposition for both corporate and leisure travel agents.
Travel Leaders Network invites travel agencies seeking to elevate their business to explore the award-winning programs and diverse offerings available. Whether specializing in leisure and luxury travel, corporate travel management, destination weddings and honeymoons, or active and adventure travel, Travel Leaders Network provides tailored solutions and support. Agencies interested in joining this leading network can visit TravelLeadersNetwork.com to learn more and discover how they can benefit from being part of an organization with over $17 billion in annual sales volume, driven by the flagship Travel Leaders-branded Associates.
About Travel Leaders Network
Travel Leaders Network is at the forefront of the travel agency industry, supporting millions of leisure and business travelers annually. As the largest seller of luxury travel, cruises, river cruises, and tours, the network comprises nearly 7,000 Associate and Member travel agency locations across the United States and Canada, representing an impressive annual sales volume exceeding $17 billion. Driven by its flagship Travel Leaders-branded travel agencies (www.travelleaders.com), Travel Leaders Network is committed to providing travel agents with award-winning tools, including the Agent Profiler agent-locator, comprehensive marketing and technology solutions, strong supplier partnerships, and robust educational programs. These resources empower travel agents to deliver exceptional and progressive travel experiences to their valued vacation and business travel clients. Travel Leaders Network is a proud company of Travel Leaders Group LLC.
