Business travel giant Carlson Wagonlit Travel saw sales in the first half of the year rise by 10% to $13.4 billion, helped by strong growth from the Asia-Pacific region.
The travel management company reported a 5% increase in transactions compared with the first six months of 2010. Overall sales volume last year for the firm’s wholly-owned operations and joint ventures totalled $24.3 billion.
Asia-Pacific sales volume increased by 18%, followed by Latin America (12%), North America (11%) and Europe, Middle East and Africa (9%).
UK sales increased by 12% in the first half of 2011 compared to the same period last year, generating total traffic of more than £617 million.
Client retention for CWT in the UK remained strong at 99% and new business wins totalled £46 million in the first half.
Several large UK business wins, particularly in the financial sector, contributed to a 62% increase in new client sales volume won over the first half of last year. Finnish partner agency Kaleva Travel was acquired in the period, giving CWT a presence in Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania.
CWT president and chief executive Douglas Anderson said: “Sales volume growth has accelerated along with year over year economic growth.
“Our continued strong customer focus has allowed us to maintain excellent client retention and satisfaction, while winning new sales and creating innovative solutions.
“Delivering innovative solutions for managed corporate travel continues to be a key priority for CWT.”