More business travel mergers expected
More business travel mergers are expected following the takeover of French agency Protravel by Carlson Wagonit. The deal, announced earlier this week, allows Carlson to increase its volume in France by 50% and worldwide by 7%. It seems that market share – and therefore clout with suppliers – is becoming more and more important in the business travel arena. It follows the takeover of Rosenbluth by American Express earlier this year. Further deals are expected, with the takeover of BTI Central Europe seen as a likely future scenario. The new company, will be 70% owned by Carlson Wagonlit with the remainder owned by Protravel shareholders. It will be headed by Protravel managing director Jean-Claude Tacnet. Carlson Wagonlit said that Isabelle Koch, currently Vice President of Carlson Wagonlit Travel France, will take up new managerial responsibilities. Hervé Gourio, president & CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel worldwide, said: “This opportunity is an important move which fits in perfectly with Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s current worldwide strategy: giving priority to growth and increased market share. It shows that we are now actively pursuing external growth. In a global market undergoing strong consolidation, it is our firm intention to be among the consolidators rather than the consolidated. Our approach is strongly supported by our shareholders, who are encouraging us in this task.” Protravel is currenlty a TQ3 licensee. TQ3 claims the company will continue to service its clients until the end of next year and that it plans to launch its own wholly owned corporate travel agency in Paris.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt