Merger creates one of largest travel groups in US
Cruise and Travel Stores (CTS) merging with e-Travco creates one of the largest groups in the US, representing more than 1,400 travel agencies.
The Scotts Valley, California-based CTS is a national consortium with 530 member agencies.
Founded in 2000, e-Travco is a value network for travel agents and suppliers that represents 100 name-brand suppliers and more than 1,400 travel agencies nationwide.
Under the new agreement, CTS will maintain its headquarters in Scotts Valley as e-Travco/CTS.
Founder and president of CTS Jack Bell will remain as a consultant to e-Travco. Tricia Brackett will continue in her present role as CTS’ director of operations.
Mr Bell said the two organizations would continue to build on their strengths.
Added D. Brent Pasquinelli, chairman and founder of e-Travco: “Those strengths focus on helping travel agents generate new customers and expand relationships locally, within a community through innovative online products and traditional high-margin preferred supplier programmes developed by agents for agents.”
CTS, founded in 1982, as Bell Travel System, includes hundreds of agencies in more than 30 states, including about 200 members on the West Coast.
E-Travco’s agencies represent more than $3 billion in travel buying power, according to the Pennsylvania-based company.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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