Direct Travel acquires ATPI Group in ‘pivotal’ move

Direct Travel has acquired strategic partner ATPI Group in a deal described as creating “one of the largest travel management companies in the world”.

The two companies, which had been involved in a “multi-year collaboration”, said they would together drive more than $6 billion in annual total travel volume.

The acquisition will speed up the international roll-out of Direct Travel platform Avenir Travel Edition.

Direct Travel chief executive Christal Bemont said: “ATPI has a commanding presence in the international travel management space and a strong history of collaboration with Direct Travel, making them a perfect fit to strengthen our efforts in delivering exceptional service at scale.”

ATPI, a travel and event management specialist founded and headquartered in Manchester, employs about 2,500 people and has an operations network spanning more than 100 locations across six continents.

It works across sectors including corporate, marine, energy, sports and group travel, as well as event management service.

Direct Travel’s Avenir platform is described as providing the industry’s “broadest inventory”.

The Colorado-headquartered company said it values ATPI’s strengths in corporate travel and expertise in specialist markets, adding that it intends to “build on ATPI’s successful history”.

Bemont said: “This partnership represents a pivotal moment in reshaping managed travel, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions and a seamless experience for clients across a range of sectors and of all sizes and locations. Together, we will redefine what it means to offer ‘The Perfect Trip’ on a global scale.”

ATPI chief executive Ian Sinderson said: “ATPI and Direct Travel have long held a shared vision for reimagining how the world connects, underpinning a successful commercial partnership. 

“Bringing our two organisations together will enable us to better serve clients collectively, through the combination of our specialised services, innovative technologies and highly skilled customer teams.

“By bolstering our already strong position in travel technology and highly specialised travel support, we will combine to provide a compelling alternative to mega-agencies for global travel throughout our range of extensive geographic markets and business lines.”

Direct Travel said the acquisition would create “one of the world’s largest travel management companies”.