Tzell – Internova Travel Group

LONDON, UK – Monday, 4 July, 2016 – Travel Leaders UK, comprised of Protravel International UK and Tzell UK, is today formally announcing the appointment of longtime airline industry leader Gail Grimmett as its new President. Additionally, industry veteran Ade Taiwo has been named Financial Controller for Travel Leaders UK. Worldwide, Protravel and Tzell have together grown to an annual turnover of more than £2.8 billion, largely through its expert travel focus on the entertainment industry, other high-touch corporate clientele and the luxury leisure sector.

Last month, Grimmett was introduced to the respective Protravel UK and Tzell UK teams during a visit to the London offices to meet with Travel Leaders UK’s Managing Director Tina Rose and Executive Director of Business Development and Acquisitions Barry Whittaker.

“Among all the various segments that have contributed to the remarkable growth of Travel Leaders Group, along with Protravel UK and Tzell UK in particular, none have been more intrinsic to their success than serving the vast and varying high-touch travel needs of the entertainment industry, followed closely by providing luxury leisure expertise to discerning clientele,” Grimmett noted. “I am thrilled to be leading the growing operation here in the United Kingdom, which has risen to number 24 among the Top 50 Leading TMCs in the UK and is poised for further accelerated increases.”

In May, after 19 years in key executive roles within Delta Air Lines, Grimmett was named as the new President of the combined US operations for Protravel and Tzell. She is now leading the senior leadership teams from both Protravel and Tzell on both sides of the Atlantic.

“After years of working with both Protravel and Tzell from the supplier side and recognizing how each of them have earned their places as the agencies of choice for the most discerning and elite clientele, it’s an incredible honour to be joining these two distinguished teams both in the United Kingdom and the United States,” stated Grimmett. “We look forward to working together to take Travel Leaders UK, our agents and our valued customers to new heights.”

Before joining Protravel and Tzell, Grimmett served as Delta’s Senior Vice President, Global New York, where she had full financial and commercial responsibility for the airline’s domestic and international performance in New York. During this time, she delivered over US $6 billion of revenue to the company annually. As a champion for New York, her many volunteer roles and professional achievements led to her being named among the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in New York by Crain’s Business.

Prior to her last leadership role with Delta, Grimmett served in several other distinguished capacities with the airline, and she began career as a Senior Regulatory Economist with the U.S. Department of Labor.

During her visit to London’s Travel Leaders UK offices in Covent Garden, Grimmett formally introduced Ade Taiwo as the operation’s Financial Controller. With more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, including his experience working in “The Appointment Group,” Taiwo’s intimate knowledge of the travel industry, accounting and finance make him a “perfect fit” for his new role, according to Grimmett.

Protravel Executive Travel and Tzell UK are among the UK’s leading travel companies that employ independent agents and agencies. Combined, the two brands are ranked number 24 within the top 50 travel management companies in the UK. They each manage high-end corporate customers. In addition Pro Executive Travel operates a vibrant leisure and cruise business, Scotia Travel based in Glasgow, and is also one of the largest – and sole representative – members of luxury travel consortium Virtuoso. Both Pro Executive Travel and Tzell UK are members of UK and Ireland travel agency consortium the Advantage Travel Partnership and are also leading members of the Focus Group Partnership.

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About Protravel International LLC:

Protravel International LLC is a Travel Leaders Group company. Founded in 1984, Protravel International LLC is a full-service, dynamic travel company with an award-winning reputation. With annual sales reaching close to US$1 billion, Protravel is headquartered in New York City and supports 20 locations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Today, approximately 1,000 people make up the Protravel organisation. Our expertise in destination, international faring and competitive products – coupled with our superior network of contacts in the airline, hotel, cruise and hospitality industry – makes Protravel one of the most powerful selling forces in the travel industry.

Protravel’s diversity of products, size of annual sales and nationally recognised stature permits them to leverage these strengths to bring the most competitive pricing and aggressive negotiations for our highly diverse client base. It is a company-wide commitment to search for the best possible travel options for our customers. Travel arrangements are personally tailored to take optimum advantage of the most up to the minute changes in the industry.

For many years, a dedicated team has guided Protravel with innovative ideas and skills. By incorporating the latest technologies and carefully monitoring industry developments, the finest products and highest levels of service are maintained. The continued success of Protravel is a testament to our sound operation and well-planned development.

www.protravelinc.com

About Tzell Travel Group:

With annual sales of nearly US$3 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the America’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states and the United Kingdom.

In everything it does, Tzell Travel Group places the highest priority on both its clients and its agents. For the individual traveller, Tzell addresses value, convenience, comfort and safety, with its customised quality traveler services. For the corporation, Tzell offers a broad product line of cost containment, meeting services and comprehensive travel management programmes.

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programmes create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

Based on five decades of experience as travel agents to A-listers, Tzell travel agents can make any client feel like a celebrity through unique access, privacy and incredible amenities.

New York, NY (July14, 2016) — Today, New York-based Tzell Travel Group, is pulling back the curtain on celebrity travel and opening the velvet rope by sharing insights on how they assist all their clients travel like A-listers when away from home. The keys to emulating celebrity travel include: attention to detail, heightened privacy and discretion, exclusively-tailored to meet all needs, hassle free, and knowing that key relationships are everything. For these seamless travel experiences, no detail is overlooked and all requests, no matter how unique, are handled with extreme care, unmatched expertise and long-standing industry relationships.

“Tzell’s luxury travel agents have long-embraced the concierge mindset when it comes to their clients’ travel, thus enabling each customer to enjoy a VIP experience anywhere in the world,” stated Gail Grimmett, President of Tzell Travel Group. “Whether it’s planning a private jet journey around the globe or securing a reservation at that impossible-to-book Michelin-star restaurant, Tzell travel agents, through their meticulously developed relationships, make it happen. Regardless of whether travelers are looking to relax on a beach in St. Barts or charter a private yacht, they can expect to receive the same level of service and attention as our celebrity and A-list clients.”

In order to “travel like a celebrity,” here are key insights on the most important aspects:

Attention to Detail:

“Celebrity and A-list clients, above all else, expect their travel to be seamless and to have any and all requests met without delay,” said Martin Gould, Vice President of Leisure Travel at The Travel Business, a division of Tzell. “They spend so much time in the limelight, that when they travel, anonymity is of utmost importance.”
Gould added: “Ensuring the suppliers you work with can be trusted to handle clients with the utmost discretion is paramount. From when the car picks them up, to having an escort at the airport and a private check-in at their accommodations, guaranteeing there are no lines and that celebrity clients receive priority treatment, is something that can’t be overlooked. Attention to detail, above all else, is key to exceeding expectations for all clients, but has a particular importance for A-listers.”

Privacy and Discretion:

“My celebrity and professional athlete clients have a wide array of preferences when they travel, some want complete anonymity and others want to be seen,” said Michelle Clausi, corporate and leisure specialist with Tzell Travel Group. “Knowledge of who to contact at what property to meet those preferences is something that can’t be taught, it’s earned through dedication and hard work that leads to a trusting relationship with suppliers that you have full confidence will meet your clients’ needs.”
“It’s also becoming more common for younger celebrities, especially athletes to offer to do appearances while traveling,” continued Clausi. “Understanding the nuances of what each client’s needs are and having the foresight to handle them is a key part of planning celebrity and A-list travel.”

Tailored to Meet Their Needs:

“All of my VIP clients, including A-list celebrities, have unique needs when they travel,” said Tzell travel agent Jody Bear, owner of Bear & Bear Travel. “Many of our celebrity clients maintain strict diets, so to meet those needs when they travel, they bring along their personal chefs.”
“We have clients who also bring specific meat and produce when they travel. It’s important to ensure this all happens seamlessly, and the chef and their products need to arrive on time, without any hassle at customs,” Bear added. “Coordinating client needs, such as this, comes from knowing the right people to talk to and taking care of all the minute details to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.”

Easy and Hassle Free:

“Many of my clients are musicians who frequently tour, so I get the pleasure of coordinating the travel for their concerts around the world as well as some of their leisure travel,” said Debra Copelan, entertainment travel agent with Tzell Travel Group in Los Angeles.
“With their hectic travel schedule for touring, many of my musician clients want to stay closer to home when they travel for leisure,” explained Copelan. “Frequently this means going to events that interest them, like SXSW in Austin, Texas, or a close family getaway. It’s vital that these plans be as easy as possible for the musician as well as their family and friends they bring along on the trip.”

Relationships Are Everything:

“My Broadway star clients love to combine travel for their shows and leisure travel,” said Andi Henig, owner of A Team Tours, a division of Tzell Travel Group. “My clients travel the world for their Broadway shows. If they’re performing in London, they might take a short trip to Tuscany when they have a few days off.”
Henig added: “These decisions often happen at the spur of the moment, so knowing who’s who in the world of travel is crucial to making their requests a reality. It’s also important to be able to coordinate friends and family travel with the same level of customer service and care that the celebrity client receives. Relationships are everything.”

Since 1966, Tzell Travel Group has been providing its clients with the highest quality, most personalized travel experience integrated with today’s technology – whether it be corporate, entertainment or leisure travel. Tzell offers comprehensive travel management programs that blend the vast resources it is able to deliver as a travel powerhouse with the personalized dedication and emphasis on quality.

To find a Tzell travel agent advisor to create the high-end, sophisticated journey of one’s dreams, visit tzell.com/agent-showcase.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

With annual sales of $3 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states.

In everything it does, Tzell Travel Group places the highest priority on both its clients and its agents. For the individual traveler, Tzell addresses value, convenience, comfort and safety, with its customized quality traveler services. For the corporation, Tzell offers a broad product line of cost containment, meeting services and comprehensive travel management programs.

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

Tzell Travel Group joins travel agencies and travel agents throughout the United States in Travel Leaders Group’s “Day of Giving”

New York, NY (July 21, 2016) — New York-based Tzell Travel Group is pleased to announce that it recently raised nearly $15,000 and collected close to 12,000 pounds of food to support Food Bank For New York City and local food banks near various Tzell branches. Non-perishable food items were collected at Tzell’s headquarters at 119 West 40^th Street by its travel agents and staff members. Additionally, Tzell agents and employees volunteered their time at Food Bank For New York City. The philanthropic initiative was part of a nationwide “Day of Giving” in which Tzell joined with other Travel Leaders Group companies, travel agencies and travel agents on July 7 in a combined effort to reduce hunger. Tzell is a Travel Leaders Group company.

“I’m immensely proud to be part of an organization where support for our local community is a key initiative. Our travel agents and headquarters team participated enthusiastically in this effort, so much so that we collected more than 10 times the amount of non-perishable items compared to last year,” said Gail Grimmett, President of Tzell Travel Group. “The summer months are when food shelves need our help the most. Food Bank For New York City estimates that throughout the five boroughs, approximately 1.4 million people rely on soup kitchens and food pantries. There is an ever-present need for helping those in our community, and that’s why we continue to do what we can, year after year, through our Day of Giving and other fundraising initiatives. It’s simply the right thing to do.”

Throughout Travel Leaders Group, the combined Day of Giving efforts led to the collection of more than 6,100 bags of food, weighing approximately 19,400 pounds – which is nearly 9.7 tons. Additionally, nearly 500 Travel Leaders Group employees and travel agents volunteered more than 1,000 hours with local food bank and contributed close to $52,000 to Feeding America and local food banks.

Those interested in learning more about the Food Bank For New York City can visit http://www.foodbanknyc.org. To learn more about Tzell Travel Group, go to www.Tzell.com.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

Travel + Leisure Honors Six Tzell Travel Group Advisors on 2016 A-List of Top Travel Agents

New York, NY (August 29, 2016) — Travel + Leisure’s highly anticipated 15^th annual A-List of travel agent advisors has been unveiled, with six of New York-based Tzell Travel Group’s best-in-class advisors being singled out for their extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise. The 2016 A-List showcases “the 137 best specialists in the business – destination authorities, honeymoon planners, family-reunion whizzes, cruise experts – to help take your trip to the next level,” according to the revered consumer publication.”

Tzell is represented on the annual compendium by the following six travel agents for their expertise on various destinations and niche travel specialties:

Jody Bear for Destination Celebrations – Bear & Bear Travel/Tzell Travel (New York, NY)

Harlan deBell and Kara Bebell for Weddings & Honeymoons – The Travel Siblings/Tzell Travel (New York, NY)

Jessica Griscavage for Family Travel – McCabe Travel/Tzell Travel (McLean, VA)

Beth Jenkins for Central & South America – McCabe World Travel/Tzell Travel (McLean, VA)

Ellen LeCompte for United Kingdom – Brownell Travel/Tzell Travel (Richmond, VA)

“Throughout Tzell’s 50 years, our best-in-class advisors have become renowned for their dedication in delivering peace-of-mind to our leisure and corporate clients through their extraordinary expertise, counsel and 24/7 care. The six talented individuals who have been honored on the A-List are the epitome of that overriding commitment,” noted Gail Grimmett, President of Tzell Travel Group. “I congratulate each of these consummate professionals for representing our organization enormously well and making us all very proud.”

No stranger to the A-List or countless other industry honors, Jody Bear has once again been cited for her expertise in “Destination Celebrations.” Travel + Leisure notes how, “Bear treats planning a milestone vacation as an opportunity to create an over-the-top itinerary – previous trips have involved everything from a birthday lunch on an Icelandic glacier to a family Christmas in South Africa.

The brother/sister duo of Harlan de Bell and Kara Bebell have also returned to the list for their expertise in “Weddings and Honeymoons.” According to Travel + Leisure, “They have a long list of industry contacts (caterers, florists, bands) in the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond, and tons of practical tips, like how to bring your pet along.”

Another returning veteran to the vaunted list is Ellen LeCompte for her expertise in the United Kingdom. Extols Travel + Leisure, “LeCompte can arrange white-glove experiences that impress even the most demanding Anglophiles (high tea with aristocracy, a director’s tour of the subterranean archives of the Churchill War Rooms). She can also secure rooms at the Lanesborough that have views of Buckingham Palace’s garden.”

Jessica Griscavage, selected by Travel + Leisure for her expertise in Family Travel, also returns to the A-List this year: “Itineraries by Griscavage – who has taken her son on vacations to the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Disney theme parks – tap in to niche interests that provide fun for all, like stargazing sails for budding astronomers or biologist-led volcano tours for nature lovers.”

One Tzell advisor is new to the 2016 A-List:

Beth Jenkins, selected by Travel + Leisure for her expertise on Central and South America: “Only 29, Jenkins is a tireless advocate for younger travelers, seeking out great rates at hotels and visiting destinations with specific clients in mind. Lately, she’s excited about Colombia and the renewed interest in Guatemala’s Mayan ruins.”

To receive the highest quality, most personalized and proactive customer service available in travel, please visit Tzell.com to learn more about our premier team of travel advisors.

This year, Tzell is celebrating its 50th anniversary, culminating in an October 27 black-tie gala on historic Ellis Island. Since 1966, Tzell Travel Group has been providing its clients with the highest quality, most personalized travel experience integrated with today’s technology – whether it be corporate, entertainment or leisure travel. Tzell offers comprehensive travel management programs that blend the vast resources it is able to deliver as a travel powerhouse with the personalized dedication and emphasis on quality.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

With annual sales of nearly $3 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states.

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

With Delta Air Lines as Diamond Sponsor, Tzell observes Golden Anniversary with high profile Branch Meeting, Trade Show and Gala Event at Ellis Island co-hosted by celebrity clients

New York, NY (October 26, 2016) — This week, Tzell Travel Group – one of the travel industry’s most revered agency names particularly renowned for its “who’s who” clientele – is formally celebrating its 50^th anniversary through a series of major events in New York City, culminating tomorrow evening with a black-tie gala on Ellis Island. Award-winning actors Alan Cumming and Sarah Jessica Parker, who are Tzell clients themselves, will serve as co-hosts for the 1,000 VIP guests attending the Tzell Gala. Earlier today, 100 leaders from Tzell’s 59 Branches from throughout the United States and United Kingdom met for an extraordinary session featuring top executives from some of the travel industry’s key segments.

This evening, approximately 500 of Tzell’s top travel agent advisors are partaking in an exclusive trade show to network with nearly 150 travel supplier partners. Among the impressive roster of partners – participating not only in the trade show, but also among the top sponsors of the entire two days of events – is Delta Air Lines, designated as the sole Diamond Sponsor of the Tzell 50^th Celebration.

“Considering just how dramatically the travel industry has evolved and flourished over the past five decades, it’s both amazing and gratifying to know just how central to its growth Tzell’s best-in-class agents have been. Thanks to their enormous contributions, expertise and 24/7 client care, Tzell has transformed not just the agency side of the business, but the travel business as a whole,” explained Gail Grimmett, President of Tzell Travel Group. “Tzell’s influence and impact on the travel industry is indisputable. Through all of the changes over the years, Tzell’s values and culture have never wavered – we take care of our clients, we take care of each other and we take care of the cherished communities in which we live and work.”

Underscoring one airline’s unique and longstanding relationship with Tzell, Delta Air Lines President of International and Executive Vice President of Global Sales Steve Sear delivered a keynote address and was among those helping to officially kick off today’s Tzell Branch Meeting. Then, in addition to presentations from a wide range of speakers, including Jamie Baker, airline analyst for J.P. Morgan Chase, a major focal point of the day was an executive panel discussion led by Travel Weekly Editor-in-Chief Arnie Weissmann and comprised of leadership from American Airlines, Emirates, Oceania Cruises, Peninsula Hotels, Sabre and United Airlines (which along with Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are among the top sponsors of the entire celebration). Panelists discussed their ongoing relationships with Tzell, along with their predictions for the future of travel.

Tzell Chairman Barry Liben noted the enterprise’s dramatic growth since 1966. “Through all the ups and downs and pressures on our industry, Tzell has grown from two people at its inception to over 1,200 people today. We’ve grown from sales of just $4,000 per week to more than $30 million today. Our unofficial motto – ‘work hard, have fun, and make some money along the way’ – has helped transform our annual sales volume to $3 billion today. No matter how powerful Tzell has become, we are a family, sharing and rejoicing in all the good times and supporting each other through the not-so-good times, day in and day out.”

When Tzell was originally founded in New York by Eli Blau in 1966, its initial mission was to assist travelers wishing to travel to and from Israel. That enduring bond has been cited by Nir Barkat, Mayor of Jerusalem, who stated, “You have demonstrated a commendable commitment to Jerusalem and Israel’s history and future. Your support of institutions in our capital ensures that the millions of visitors to our city each year can interact with the Jewish people’s rich history in a meaningful way.”

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also offered his congratulations, saying, “I am grateful to Tzell Travel Group for helping promote our diverse cultural and hospitality offerings. Since 1966, Tzell’s professional advisors have provided individualized planning and booking services to business, entertainment and leisure travelers, and with headquarters here in New York and offices across the country, this award-winning company is a proven leader in its field.”

The climactic conclusion for the 50^th anniversary festivities will be tomorrow evening’s Tzell Gala, which will include many of Tzell’s celebrity clients from the worlds of entertainment, sports and politics, such as explorer and author Josh Bernstein, stylist and fashion consultant Stacy London, pop artist Peter Max, songwriter and musician Ric Ocasek, actor Adam Pally and model and actress Paulina Porizkova. All invited guests will board specially-chartered ferries for a scenic 30-minute ride from lower Manhattan to the Ellis Island National Monument. The Tzell Gala celebration will close as a special fireworks display illuminates the sky above the Statue of Liberty.

Travelers interested in accessing the travel industry’s highest quality, most personalized and proactive customer service available should visit Tzell.com.

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About Tzell Travel Group: With annual sales of nearly $3 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states and in the United Kingdom.

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

Protravel and Tzell execs joined 6^th Annual Executive Edition of Covenant House Sleep Out to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth

New York, NY (November 29, 2016) – On November 17, executives from Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group joined with nearly 200 other business leaders for Covenant House’s 6^th Annual Executive Edition Sleep Out, an initiative to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth. Gail Grimmett, President of both Protravel and Tzell, led the combined team from both companies in joining with other C-suite execs, business owners and other leaders in sleeping on the street, at 460 West 41^st Street in New York City, for one night. All totaled, the 187 participants raised $1,983,434 – far surpassing their aggregated goal of $1.5 million.

“Everyone from Protravel and Tzell remains deeply committed to giving back to the communities we serve, and that begins right here on our home turf of New York, where thousands of youth are either sleeping on the streets or seeking shelter,” explained Grimmett. “As we approached Thanksgiving, ever mindful of just how truly fortunate we are, we wanted to do something meaningful for those in need and have experienced tough times. Because of our longstanding work with Covenant House, we chose to join with other business leaders in raising awareness for homeless youth in the efforts toward ensuring that they someday will no longer be left to sleep on the streets.”

As a champion for New York, Grimmett serves on the board for Covenant House International. In all, 25 business, civic and entertainment leaders comprise Covenant House’s Board of Directors. Founded in 1972, Covenant House is the largest privately-funded agency in the Americas; it provides loving care and vital services to homeless, abandoned, abused, trafficked and exploited children.

“We strongly encourage everyone who wants to join our efforts to donate to Covenant House and ‘get a homeless kid off the street today,’” Grimmett added. “Donations may be made by visiting www.covenanthouse.org/help-the-homeless.”

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About Protravel International LLC:

Protravel International LLC is a Travel Leaders Group company. Founded in 1984, Protravel International LLC is a full-service, dynamic travel company with an award-winning reputation. With annual sales reaching close to $1 billion, Protravel is headquartered in New York City and supports 20 locations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, plus a network of hosted agents in all corners of the U.S. Today, approximately 1,000 people make up the Protravel organization. Our expertise in destination, international faring and competitive products – coupled with our superior network of contacts in the airline, hotel, cruise and hospitality industry – makes Protravel one of the most powerful selling forces in the travel industry.

Protravel’s diversity of products, size of annual sales and nationally recognized stature permits them to leverage these strengths to bring the most competitive pricing and aggressive negotiations for our highly diverse client base. It is a company-wide commitment to search for the best possible travel options for our customers. Travel arrangements are personally tailored to take optimum advantage of the most up to the minute changes in the industry.

www.protravelinc.com

About Tzell Travel Group:

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

Serving as one of the world’s most prestigious luxury travel events, ILTM is prime opportunity for Tzell’s luxury travel professionals to network with luxury providers globally

New York, NY (December 6, 2016) — Today, New York-based Tzell Travel Group announced that it has once again sent a delegation of its foremost luxury travel agent advisors to the highly exclusive International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), convening now in Cannes, France, December 5-8. Each of the 24 distinguished members of the Tzell delegation – which is led by Tzell President Gail Grimmett – received one of the global travel industry’s most coveted invitations to attend as luxury travel buyers. Attendance at ILTM is strictly limited to qualifying travel agents who “place regular outbound business and those that service a current client base of high net worth individuals.”

“In the midst of Tzell’s amazing 50 amazing years in serving the most discerning travelers, International Luxury Travel Market’s invitations are further testament to our best-in-class luxury and ultra-luxury travel agents. We are proud that ILTM recognizes our expert agents’ preeminent qualifications in counseling affluent clientele on all aspects of bespoke travel,” noted Grimmett. “On a personal level, I am extraordinarily proud to lead the Tzell delegation as they once again reaffirm their commitment to provide their clientele with the ultimate in personalized travel experiences, service and care.”

Each attending luxury agent receives a diary of appointments with up to 52 of the travel industry’s premier luxury providers, along with access to the ILTM Global Forum and ILTM Official Party, all of which take place in Cannes. Tzell’s delegation will also receive exclusive invitations to after-hours networking events, including a special invite-only reception sponsored by Travel Leaders Group at the renowned Hotel Du Cap, which is opening specifically to accommodate these VIP guests.

Tzell Travel Group is being represented at ILTM by 22 luxury travel agents and two senior executives, including:

Debbie Alkawas – Tzell Travel Group
Ivette Aviles – Tzell Travel Group
Jody Bear – Bear & Bear Travel, an Affiliate of Tzell
Carolyn Bernstein – First in Service, a Branch of Tzell
Tiffany Bowne – All Star Travel, a Branch of Tzell
Rani Cheema – Cheema’s NYC, LLC, an Affiliate of Tzell
Eleanor Henning Clark – Tzell Travel Group
Miriam Cohen – Tzell Travel Group
Luis Escano – Tzell Travel Group
Pierre-Alexandre Franchin – First in Service, a Branch of Tzell
Gina Gabbard – Vice President of Leisure Sales, Tzell Travel Group
Grace Giso – Tzell Travel Group
Fernando Gonzalez – First in Service, a Branch of Tzell
Gail Grimmett – President of Tzell Travel Group
Tim Henningan – The Travel Collaborative, a Branch of Tzell
Josh Kafka – First in Service, a Branch of Tzell
Joanna Kuflik – First in Service, a Branch of Tzell
Robin Leggett – The Travel Collaborative, a Branch of Tzell
Becky Luckovic – The Travel Agent, Inc., a Branch of Tzell
Carlos Melia – First in Service, a Branch of Tzell
Ericka Reategui – First in Service, a Branch of Tzell
Chad Rodame – First in Service, a Branch of Tzell
Monique Brendel Thofte – Passported, a Branch of Tzell
Walter Leroy “Roy” Twiste – Tzell Park Avenue, a Branch of Tzell

Tzell prides itself in providing its clients with in-depth knowledge, experience and individualized client service with some of the most talented travel agents in the industry. Tzell’s first-class white-glove service and support is why Tzell – part of the larger Travel Leaders Group – is among the nation’s biggest and most successful travel management companies.

Agents interested in joining Tzell and providing the highest quality, most personalized and proactive customer service available should visit Tzell.com.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

Former Travel Leaders Group CEO is among distinguished list of only 40 leading travel industry leaders to receive the coveted award.

New York, NY (December 16, 2016) – On Thursday evening, Barry Liben – the Chairman of New York City-based travel agency giants Tzell Travel Group and Protravel International – was one of just two travel industry leaders honored with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Travel Weekly, North America’s foremost trade publication that serves as the travel industry’s trusted voice. Liben was recognized not only for his lengthy tenure with Tzell of more than 40 years, but also for his contributions to the overall travel industry through his role as the previous Chief Executive Officer for Travel Leaders Group, which during his seven years grew more than 300% into North America’s largest traditional travel agency company with nearly $21 billion in annual sales volume.

“Last evening, Barry Liben earned a truly impressive honor from America’s leading travel trade publication, Travel Weekly,” stated Ninan Chacko, CTC, Travel Leaders Group Chief Executive Officer. “On behalf of everyone at Travel Leaders Group, I am proud to congratulate Barry on this very well-deserved recognition for his enormous contributions to our company and industry.”

“I don’t believe that something in travel on the level that I do or that I did for 40 years can change the world. But what we can do is change the world that we exist in, the circle of life that we exist in,” noted Liben in his acceptance speech. “No matter how small or big your business is, take care of your people. Treat your people right. Treat your people with respect and make sure that they can support their families. Make sure the hundreds of people who work for you can have a decent life, and then you’ll have a rewarding life, I promise you.”

Liben and the other recipient, Nicki Grossman (former President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau), were carefully selected by Arnie Weissmann, Travel Weekly Editor-in-Chief, and Bob Sullivan, President of the Travel Group at Northstar Travel Media, based on their experience and observations.

“A Travel Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose efforts led to extraordinary results not just for his or her own enterprise, but who has also made significant contributions to the industry as a whole,” Weissmann noted. “Barry Liben is a worthy recipient. He has provided a model of vision and accomplishment that inspires tomorrow’s leaders.”

Prior to last night’s event at the Conrad New York, only 38 other travel industry leaders have had this major industry honor bestowed upon them.

“Past recipients include several individuals without whose contributions, we would not be the company we are today,” explained Chacko, citing Priscilla Alexander, former CEO of Protravel; Richard Knodt, former President of Vacation.com; Marilyn Carlson Nelson, former CEO and Chair of Carlson Companies; and Kathryn Sudeikis, Vacation.com member and former ASTA President. “So it is only fitting that Barry Liben is joining their ranks.”

Travel Leaders Group is one of North America’s largest travel companies – encompassing nearly one-third of all travel agents – and generated gross travel sales of approximately $21 billion in 2015. Travel Leaders Group is a leader in both the retail travel agency space and corporate travel, and it consistently ranks as one of the top travel companies nationwide.

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About Travel Leaders Group

Travel Leaders Group (www.travelleadersgroup.com) is transforming travel with a commitment to our vacation and business travel clients via our progressive approach toward each unique travel experience. Having already assisted millions of travelers – through our beginnings as Carlson Leisure Group, a division of Carlson Companies, TraveLeaders and Tzell Travel Group and through the additions of Nexion, Vacation.com and Protravel International – Travel Leaders Group manages leisure, business and franchise travel operations under a variety of diversified divisions and brands. With annual sales approaching $21 billion through over 7,000 locations, Travel Leaders Group ranks as one of the industry’s largest traditional travel agency companies.

Further Improving on Marketing Efforts, Asmita Singh will Oversee all Marketing Activities within Travel Leader Group’s Elite Travel Division

New York, NY (January 27, 2017) — Today, Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group are publicly announcing that Asmita Singh has been tapped to serve as the Vice President of Marketing and Demand Analytics for Travel Leader Group’s Elite Travel Division – consisting of the award-winning luxury travel brands, Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group. Singh is joining the company from PR Newswire, where she served as the Vice President of Digital Experience & Marketing Optimization.

“With Asmita Singh’s wealth of experience in marketing and attention to detail, we are pleased to welcome her to lead our marketing team within the Elite Division,” said Gail Grimmett, President of Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group. “What makes Asmita’s marketing approach particularly compelling to our Protravel and Tzell teams is her devotion to helping our best-in-class travel agents to amplify how they tell their stories to travelers, including existing and potential clients. Her expertise in multi-channel marketing makes her an outstanding choice to take our high-end luxury travel brands to the next level.”

Singh brings more than 12 years of experience to the Elite Travel Division. Most recently at PR Newswire, Singh managed the global digital experience, reporting and analytics, and marketing technology teams.

With an award-winning reputation, Protravel International is a recognized leader in corporate and luxury travel. Protravel was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in New York City. With annual sales reaching close to $1 billion last year, it has grown into 20 locations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, plus a network of hosted agents throughout the U.S.

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About Protravel International LLC:

Protravel International LLC is a Travel Leaders Group company. Founded in 1984, Protravel International LLC is a full-service, dynamic travel company with an award-winning reputation. With annual sales reaching close to $1 billion, Protravel is headquartered in New York City and supports 20 locations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, plus a network of hosted agents in all corners of the U.S. Today, approximately 1,000 people make up the Protravel organization. Our expertise in destination, international faring and competitive products – coupled with our superior network of contacts in the airline, hotel, cruise and hospitality industry – makes Protravel one of the most powerful selling forces in the travel industry.

www.protravelinc.com

About Tzell Travel Group:

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

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Seven Tzell Team Members Celebrate at Least 25 Years with Tzell, Spanning Half of the Company’s Storied History; Another 32 Underscore Tzell’s Commitment to Future Growth

New York, NY (February 24, 2017) — Recently, Tzell Travel Group – renowned for its white-glove 24/7 concierge travel agency care over the past 50 years – recognized a record 75 travel agent advisors and staff members for their milestone anniversaries with the agency. Topping the list of honorees were two New York City-based travel agents – Michelle Clausi Ferrara and Jan Honick – who have achieved 30 years of service to travelers within Tzell. Tzell is also announcing today that its valued team member Juan Villoch has been honored with Tzell’s Humanitarian Award for his efforts at combating the bullying of “at risk” girls.

“All of us at Tzell Travel Group are incredibly proud of our more than 50 years of serving a cross-section of the most distinguished travelers – ranging from a former U.S. President to some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports. Yet because we treat each and every traveler as a VIP in their own right, it is incumbent upon us to attract and retain some of the industry’s best-in-class travel advisors and talent to meet their individual needs,” explained Gail Grimmett, President of Tzell Travel Group. “That is precisely why we are so thrilled to honor each of our amazing travel agents and team members on their anniversary milestones with Tzell. Agents like Michelle Clausi Ferrara and Jan Honick inspire us all with their impeccable service and trademark white-glove care they provide to some of the most discerning travelers. We are grateful to them and all of our team for providing Tzell clients with the ultimate in peace of mind.”

In addition to Clausi Ferrara and Honick, Grimmett honored New York-based agents Michael Martocci, Deborah Frantz, Keith Baker, Fred Del Pozzo and Shannon Santiago on reaching their silver anniversaries with Tzell. In a message to all Tzell employees and travel agents, Grimmett noted that, “Tzell is nothing without each of you. That is why it was truly an honor and privilege to recognize 75 of you at our annual Anniversary Awards. Your contributions are beyond measure.”

Other veteran honorees included six individuals who have been with Tzell for 20 years and 29 more who have been with the organization for 15 years. Also demonstrating how the business has continued to grow in recent years, 16 of the honorees celebrated fifth anniversaries with Tzell, along with another 17 who have now been within the Tzell family for 10 years.

“As we take Tzell beyond its first 50 years, it has never been more strategically important for us to continue attracting new talent into our business,” Grimmett added. “Whether they come from another travel agency or other travel industry segment, or they come fresh from college or careers in other industries, we are always pleased to welcome enterprising individuals into Tzell.”

In addition to honoring those celebrating service anniversaries, Tzell has also singled out the contributions of Juan Villoch, a staff member who has risen through the agency’s ranks, with its annual Humanitarian Award.

“As Tzell’s Humanitarian Award recipient, Juan Villoch started with us in 1999 as a messenger. But in aspiring to greater heights, Juan sought out opportunities to move into the IT side of our operations; his contributions have been substantial and respected by Tzell’s leadership and his peers alike,” Grimmett stated. “Despite the enormous energy he puts into his role with Tzell, he has still found time to start a girls softball league that is focused on bullied and ‘at risk’ girls. We are proud not only to have him a valued colleague but also as an inspiration to everyone who wants to make a difference. Juan has proven you can excel and succeed if you put your heart and mind into it.”

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About Tzell Travel Group:

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

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London, United Kingdom (March 13, 2017) – The GTMC and Travel Leaders UK are jointly announcing today that Travel Leaders UK is GTMC’s latest member.

Comprised of Protravel International, Tzell UK, Scotia Travel and Colletts Travel, Travel Leaders UK has grown to become one of the top 20 TMCs in the country. As a member of the GTMC it will have access to a raft of benefits including attendance at industry networking events, participation in debates across the GTMC’s strategy groups including industry affairs, people and technology, and the opportunity to consult and have views represented to wider industry partners and stakeholders.

Following a strong period of growth Travel Leaders UK joins the GTMC to reinforce and support plans for further expansion within the corporate travel market.

Paul Wait, chief executive, GTMC comments:

“We’re excited to welcome a company as diverse and dynamic as Travel Leaders UK to our growing network. We have started 2017 with a number of new industry partners and members and we look forward to another leading TMC joining our community. They have established a leading position both here in the UK and in North America and are a great addition to our growing family.”

Gail Grimmett, president, Travel Leaders UK, added:

“All of us within Travel Leaders Group UK are extraordinarily proud to join GTMC as members. We not only understand just how vital GTMC’s advocacy role is in representing our industry, but we embrace how essential membership in the organisation is deemed by the greater business travel community. While we have enjoyed tremendous growth on our own in a highly specialised segment of travel management services, we believe membership in the GTMC is critical toward achieving our long-term vision and strategy.”

Representing a diverse range of travel management companies – from global companies to small independent specialists and top regional agencies – GTMC, originally founded in 1967, is the voice of business travel and acts to lobby those who have an impact on the business travel community, together with promoting the activities of its members as the best in quality and value to the business traveller.

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Notes to editors

About Travel Leaders Group UK:

Travel Leaders Group UK serves luxury leisure, corporate and entertainment clients in the United Kingdom through several high-end brands, including Protravel International, Tzell UK, Scotia Travel and Colletts Travel. As one of the top 20 TMCs in the United Kingdom, Travel Leaders Group UK is part of US-based Travel Leaders Group (www.travelleadersgroup.com), the largest traditional travel agency company in North America with annual sales of more than £17 billion through over 7,000 locations.

About GTMC

The GTMC is the UK’s leading professional body for travel management companies. The diverse membership accounts for over 80% of UK expenditure on managed business travel, delivering value for money and great service to business travellers in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. www.gtmc.org

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Travel Leaders Elite’s Protravel and Tzell Travel each offer new customized leisure itinerary management apps to drive client service and engagement

NEW YORK, NY (March 29, 2017) – Travel Leaders Elite today announced the launch of customized leisure itinerary management solutions, including Protravel International’s ProTrip and Tzell Travel Group’s TzellTrip. The innovative new mobile applications – powered by Umapped are tailored to specific requirements of Protravel and Tzell’s travel agents, thus allowing them to further expand their product offerings to their luxury leisure clientele. The Protravel and Tzell apps are in conjunction with a larger partnership Umapped has with Travel Leaders Group, Travel Leaders Elite’s parent company.

Travel Leaders Elite’s Protravel and Tzell brands have long been recognized in the industry for providing their best-in-class travel agent advisors with the tools and resources necessary to deliver impeccable counsel and service that have enabled them to forge successful businesses. In the digital age of social and mobile connectivity, Travel Leaders Elite is focused on empowering its travel agent partners with access to the full spectrum of technology solutions to connect with their clients throughout the travel journey. This latest partnership between Travel Leaders Elite and Umapped opens the possibilities for advisor-traveler engagement on a more personalized level.

“We are committed to continuously investing in the latest technologies so our agents are able to concentrate on delivering the unsurpassed level of service their discerning clientele expects and deserves,” explained Gail Grimmett, President of Travel Leaders Elite Division. “Umapped provides a much-needed solution within our agency toolkit and further strengthens our brands’ promise of providing exceptional value. We look forward to a long-term partnership and new opportunities.”

With the introduction of the ProTrip and TzellTrip mobile apps for iOS and Android, the platform allows each respective brand to further customize their own exclusive content.

“Umapped clearly stood out as the best long-term partner for Protravel and Tzell, offering the flexibility our agents have sought, along with the functionality our business requires,” said Grimmett. “The fact that we had so many of our agents across all age groups asking us for Umapped was a great foundation for our partnership.”

The Umapped platform consolidates bookings, curated content, and real-time location data into a social and mobile tool for travelers. Lisa Israelovitch, CEO of Umapped commented on the alliance, “Our relationship with Travel Leaders Group helps us continue to expand with new innovations within the Umapped collaborative itinerary management platform. We are confident that our partnership will promote increased profitability through incremental sales and efficiencies on multiple levels.”

Travel Leaders Elite’s high-touch luxury agencies serve VIP leisure, entertainment and corporate clientele.

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About Travel Leaders Elite

Travel Leaders Elite is comprised of Andrew Harper Travel, Colletts Travel, Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group, four travel agencies with Travel Leaders Group that together provide white-glove concierge level care to their discerning, high profile clients who span the worlds of entertainment, sports, luxury leisure and titans of industry. The four agencies generate approximately $4 billion in annual sales volume through its more than 70 locations in the both the United States and the United Kingdom.

About Umapped

Umapped is the award-winning collaborative B2B2C itinerary and experience platform for the travel industry. Available as a white label and API solution, Umapped helps leading global brands and travel advisors engage with their customers throughout their travel journey by delivering interactive, media-rich consolidated mobile itineraries with relevant offers, content, messaging and advice. The pioneering platform also maximizes productivity and streamlines business workflow. With the Umapped API, developers can easily incorporate the unique functionality as part of their own applications and solutions. To learn more visit umapped.com.

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Tzell Travel Group Honors Agent Bob Chirlian with Inaugural Tzell Humanitarian Award

New York, NY (February 3, 2014) — New York-based Tzell Travel Group is pleased to publicly honor longtime Tzell agent Bob Chirlian with its first ever Tzell Humanitarian Award. For over a decade, Chirlian has been an active volunteer for Fostering Change for Children – a non-profit organization that seeks to create innovative solutions to complex problems facing children and families in the field of social welfare. Tzell is making a donation in Chirlian’s honor to Fostering Change for Children.

“What began as a request – for Bob to join a mentoring program that matches adopted adults with young people who are in foster care, recently adopted or on the verge of adoption – turned into 10 years of dedication as a mentor, board member and fundraiser for Fostering Change for Children. Bob was recently recognized as an advocate for young people and families, and it is my sincere pleasure that he be named the recipient of the first-ever Tzell Humanitarian Award,” said Tzell Travel Group CEO Barry Liben. “Bob is not only a leader professionally at Tzell, but with his personal achievements, as well. On behalf of Tzell Travel Group, I would like to thank Bob for all of his hard work and dedication to our community.”

Chirlian began volunteering with Fostering Change for Children over a decade ago. As an adoptee himself, Chirlian was impressed with how the organization’s “Adoptment” program provided foster children with an outlet to speak with someone who had once been in their position, and utilize mentors (such as himself) as sounding boards in navigating many of the complicated issues children confront in the social welfare system and at home. In addition to his work with Fostering Change for Children, Chirlian has served as a board member for the Tzell Travel Group Foundation and is also an active volunteer with The Roundtable Ensemble – a theater company that specializes in providing theater access to diverse, underserved communities.

“I am both humbled and proud to receive the Tzell Humanitarian Award. This award confirms that the work we do for others in the nonprofit sector is absolutely essential and that one’s efforts do not always go unnoticed,” stated Chirlian. “In addition to the outstanding mission of the Tzell Travel Group Foundation, the establishment of the Tzell Humanitarian Award provides another opportunity to raise the visibility for many worthy charitable causes that often require a commitment of funding and support. Caring in conjunction with positive reflection enables people to then take action in making a serious commitment to the missions they care about most. No one should doubt their ability to make a defining difference for others in this world.”

Chirlian draws the comparison between his decades-long career in the corporate travel space and his commitment with charitable work, “Interestingly enough, there is some synergy between the mentoring I have done with young people and the astute informational guidance we are sought out for by our clients in the travel industry. Both groups are on journeys for which our concern, planning and care prove to be invaluable.”

To learn more about Tzell Travel Group and its first-class, white-glove, personalized and proactive customer service, visit Tzell.com. To learn more about the Tzell Travel Group Foundation, please visit: www.TzellFoundation.com.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

With annual sales approaching $1.6 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states.

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the ‘safe haven’ which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

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Protravel International and Tzell UK to operate under Travel Leaders UK

London, United Kingdom (Friday, March 28, 2014) – Travel Leaders Group (www.travelleadersgroup.com) , one of the United States’ largest travel companies operating in the leisure and corporate travel marketplaces, has established Travel Leaders UK with its new headquarters in London. The company, which includes Protravel International, the Tzell Travel Group, Cruise Holidays, Vacation.com and its flagship Travel Leaders among its many brands, will use the capital city as a base for expansion in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe.

Travel Leaders Group has combined the operations of its two largest UK businesses – Protravel International UK and Tzell UK – in the new Covent Garden premises. Protravel and Tzell UK, which together have more than 60 independent travel agents and have a combined annual sales volume of £40 million ($66 million), will operate under Travel Leaders UK.

Protravel’s Tina Rose has been appointed managing director of the UK operation, while Tzell UK’s Barry Whittaker has been named executive director of business development and acquisitions. Both will report directly to Travel Leaders Group chief executive officer Barry Liben.

Liben said: “Bringing Protravel and Tzell together in new London headquarters is the first step on an aggressive expansion plan in the UK and Europe. These businesses complement each other very well, which is good news for our clients, agents and suppliers. The objective is to replicate the success of our US business on this side of the Atlantic.”

Since its inception in 2008, Travel Leaders Group has grown from annual sales volume of more than $5 billion to over $20 billion last year. According to published reports, Travel Leaders Group now accounts for approximately one-third of all US-based travel agency operations, making it one of the largest travel companies in North America.

Liben added: “We expect growth to be both organic and through acquisition and are working to attract agents and agencies to our business by demonstrating why we’ve been able to grow so dramatically when other agency groups have not. Tina Rose and Barry Whittaker make an unbeatable leadership team with their innate and critical understanding for the intricacies of the marketplace.”

Protravel International and Tzell UK are among the UK’s leading travel companies that include independent agents and agencies. Tzell UK is ranked in the top 50 travel management companies in the UK and Ireland. Protravel International UK’s also has high-end corporate customers in addition to a vibrant leisure and cruise business.

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About Travel Leaders Group
Travel Leaders Group (www.travelleadersgroup.com) is transforming travel with a commitment to our vacation and business travel clients via our progressive approach toward each unique travel experience. Having already assisted millions of travelers – through our beginnings as Carlson Leisure Group, a division of Carlson Companies, TraveLeaders and Tzell Travel Group and through the additions of Nexion, Vacation.com and Protravel International – Travel Leaders Group manages leisure, business and franchise travel operations under a variety of diversified divisions and brands. With annual sales of approximately $19 billion, Travel Leaders Group not only ranks as the #1 corporate travel management company by Business Travel News, but it is also among the top ten travel companies on the 2013 Travel Weekly Power List. In 2013, Entrepreneur ranked a Travel Leaders Franchise Brand #1 in the category of “Travel Agencies-Miscellaneous.”

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Tzell Branch Managers from across U.S. gathered in New York for annual Branch Meeting.

New York, NY (March 31, 2014) — New York-based Tzell Travel Group hosted its highly anticipated annual Branch Meeting on March 24, 2014, at The Pierre, Taj Hotel’s lavishly restored property in the heart of New York City. Tzell Branch Presidents and leaders gathered from around the country to hear firsthand from top Tzell leadership, luxury suppliers and notable guest speakers, including Delta Air Lines President Edward Bastian, Sabre CEO Tom Klein and Classic Vacations President David Hu. Attendees were welcomed to the prestigious event at an extravagant cocktail reception hosted by The Pierre on March 23; guests enjoyed an entertaining evening of live music and networking with other branches.

“The Tzell Branch Meeting has become one of our premier annual opportunities for our key leadership from across the country to meet face-to-face, not only to address issues of mutual interest within Tzell, but also to hear from some of our industry’s foremost leaders on topics of concern to us all,” stated Tzell CEO Barry Liben. “This unique blend of speakers not only contributes to our continued growth, but further underscores Tzell’s distinctive leadership role within the agency community.”

“Among the many reasons why our annual meeting is so well-attended is because it offers an exclusive setting where Tzell branches can network with their peers and learn directly from the industry’s top luxury suppliers and industry executives,” noted J.D. O’Hara, President of Tzell. “Armed with the knowledge that travel industry leaders recognize the quality and prestige that Tzell represents, our branch leadership leaves these meetings better equipped and motivated to grow our business even further.”

Liben continued, “Because our agents truly are the best in the business, it’s only appropriate that we provide them with exclusive opportunities to meet and hear from those who are at the forefront of our industry. We were fortunate to hear from several distinguished industry leaders – Delta’s Ed Bastian, Sabre’s Tom Klein and Classic Vacations’ David Hu – who recognize just how integral Tzell is to their continued success.”

Tzell Branch leaders were honored to hear Bastian discuss Delta’s continued ascent over the past five years. “It’s all about people – serving people who can take you there with the right attitude, morale and culture,” Bastian explained. “Service is what’s going to ‘win’ in this industry.”

In addition to Bastian, guests were also excited to hear from Tom Klein, CEO, Sabre; Holly Hegeman, CEO & Publisher, PlaneBusiness Banter; Kathleen Shea, Vice President, Sales and Marketing – The Americas, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces; David Hu, President, Classic Custom Vacations; Gabriel Menkin, CEO, Blue Ribbon Bags and Judi Galst, Business Development, CIBT. Attendees were also shown a brief video from event sponsor Viking Cruises.

The Tzell Branch Meeting agenda also included commentary from Liben and O’Hara, as well as Tzell’s Executive Vice President Jerry Behrens and members of Tzell’s headquarters team. Insightful discussions centered around the changing airline industry, Travel Leaders Group’s luxury hotel programs, effective public relations and fraud prevention. At the conclusion of the full-day meeting, The Pierre offered a site inspection of its spectacular venue to all Tzell participants.

“I look forward to attending the Tzell Branch Meeting every year because I leave feeling energized, focused, and ready to take my business to the next level,” said John Heimburger, President of TravelPlex, a branch of Tzell in St. Louis, MO. “Because Tzell is constantly making advancements and improvements to support my business, it’s important that I bring back this pertinent information to my staff. It also provides me a time to personally interact with Tzell leadership and enjoy direct access to industry leaders such as Ed Bastian and Sabre CEO Tom Klein.”

To learn more about Tzell Travel Group and its first-class, white-glove, personalized and proactive customer service, visit Tzell.com.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

With annual sales of approximately $2 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states.

In everything it does, Tzell Travel Group places the highest priority on both its clients and its agents. For the individual traveler, Tzell addresses value, convenience, comfort and safety with its customized quality traveler services. For the corporate traveler, Tzell offers a broad line of cost containment products, meeting services and comprehensive travel management programs.

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing a stellar work environment, an experienced leadership team and an industry leading support group. These elements, combined with the industry’s most competitive air, hotel and leisure programs, create the paramount that is Tzell Travel.

www.Tzell.com

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Proceeds from the Foundation’s charity drive will be donated to AmeriCares, Make-a-Wish Foundation and The Thirst Project

New York, NY (April 23, 2014) — Today, Tzell Travel Group Foundation is announcing that its recent annual charity drive raised more than $80,000. The annual effort concluded on April 1, 2014, and provided an opportunity for Tzell agents, employees and the community to join together in raising funds for select organizations. This year’s charities were chosen by the Foundation’s board of directors and include AmeriCares, The Thirst Project and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

“Due to the overwhelming generosity of those who participated in our annual charity drive, the Tzell Foundation is able to make a profound impact on several worthy charities,” stated Tzell President J.D. O’Hara. “Giving back to our community is a part of who we are at Tzell, and it’s an honor to be involved in such vital partnerships with AmeriCares, The Thirst Project and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.”

Since 2010, every dollar donated to AmeriCares provides $20 in aid. The recent donation made by the Tzell Travel Group Foundation will provide half a million dollars in crucial medicines and medical supplies. These will be delivered to a trusted network of clinics, hospitals and health care providers around the world.

In addition, the Tzell Travel Group Foundation is pleased to have raised sufficient funds to build two freshwater wells – one in Colombia and the other in Swaziland – on behalf of The Thirst Project. After freshwater wells are completed, a water committee within each community will be formed and educated about the importance of hand-washing and proper sanitization. Disease drops by 80% when clean drinking water is brought into a community, and one freshwater well can provide up to 500 people with clean water indefinitely.

Finally, a portion of the proceeds from the recent Tzell Foundation charity drive is making it possible to grant three wishes on behalf of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The first wish was granted to Thomas, a nine-year old boy undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Thomas’ wish was to go to Hawaii with his family, and his wish was granted this past January. The second wish was granted to six-year old Madison, who is living with sickle cell disease. Madison loves Disney princesses and will be heading to Walt Disney World Resort with her twin sister, mother and grandmother. The third wish was granted to 12-year old Tyler, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. His wish is to meet the professional soccer team, the New York Red Bulls. As Tyler waits for his big day, he is working on a long list of questions that he plans to ask the team and their coach.

“We would like to thank our friends at the Tzell Travel Group Foundation for sponsoring three incredible wishes. It is because of the bigheartedness of the Foundation and their donors that these wishes are made possible,” said Director of Corporate Philanthropy of Make-A-Wish® Metro New York and Western New York, Gail Monaco.

The Tzell Travel Group Foundation is a nonprofit foundation and all donations made are tax-deductible. Since recordkeeping began in 2001, Tzell Travel Group has donated over one-half million dollars to a variety of worthy charities. Those interested in learning more about the Tzell Travel Group Foundation can go to www.tzellfoundation.com.

Agents interested in joining Tzell – and providing the highest quality, most personalized and proactive customer service available should visit Tzell.com.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

With annual sales exceeding $2 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states.

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the ‘safe haven’ which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

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Newly-Created Position to Oversee Development and Implementation of Programs Designed to Further Enhance Tzell Agents’ Competitiveness in the Marketplace

New York, NY (May 14, 2014) — Today, Tzell Travel Group announced that it has tapped longtime Travel Leaders Group technology and marketing leader Jose Ferreira for a newly-created role as Vice President of Business Solutions. In addition to working with Tzell senior leadership in driving engagement among its travel agents and branches for its existing programs, he will specifically oversee the development and implementation of new programs designed to further enhance their competitiveness in the marketplace. Ferreira will join Tzell in July and be based at Tzell’s New York City headquarters and will report directly to Tzell President J.D. O’Hara.

“Throughout our history, Tzell has been an industry trailblazer in supporting the Independent Contractor (IC) and creating the ‘safe have’ where that business can flourish. Now, with the addition of Jose Ferreira to our leadership team, I’m especially confident our pioneering role will continue as we innovate – not only for Tzell’s agents but also for the industry,” O’Hara explained. “With a wealth of experience in both information technology and marketing, Jose has already made a significant and positive difference for our sister company that has positioned it well for many years to come. By tapping into his experience for Tzell, we look forward to Jose doing the same for us.”

Ferreira first joined Travel Leaders Group (now Tzell’s parent company) in 2006 in an information technology (IT) role that culminated in his serving as Director of Application Development for the company prior to being named Vice President of Technology by Travel Leaders Franchise Group in 2010. Once there, he was charged with helping member agencies better leverage their proprietary technologies to create points of difference in their businesses. Because of the intrinsic link between technology and the marketing initiatives that were fueled by it, Ferreira earned the dramatically expanded role of Vice President of Travel Technology and Marketing in 2012.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

In everything it does, Tzell Travel Group places the highest priority on both its clients and its agents. For the individual traveler, Tzell addresses value, convenience, comfort and safety with its customized quality traveler services. For the corporate traveler, Tzell offers a broad line of cost containment products, meeting services and comprehensive travel management programs.

www.Tzell.com

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Tzell Travel Group will host clients at its New York City headquarters on June 13 as part of its TSA Pre✓™ Mobile Enrollment Program.

New York, NY (June 6, 2014) — New York-based Tzell Travel Group is announcing that one week from today, it will enable its clients to complete their TSA Pre✓™ enrollment at its headquarters – located at 119 W 40th Street – rather than making a special trip to the airport as required of most travelers. Tzell’s TSA Pre✓™ Mobile Enrollment Program is designed to offer convenient accessibility for its most frequent travelers in finalizing their applications for expedited airport screening. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), “TSA Pre✓ allows low-risk travelers to experience expedited, more efficient security screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints for domestic and international travel.”

“With TSA expanding its pre-check screening program, we are encouraging our most frequent travelers to take advantage of the benefits. To make it even easier, we are proudly partnering with the TSA in enabling our clients to visit our convenient Midtown Manhattan offices to complete the formal process here,” stated Tzell President, J.D. O’Hara. “Tzell has built a stellar reputation for providing our clients with elite, personalized service, and our TSA Pre✓™ Mobile Enrollment Program is a prime example. We want our clients to travel with ease and providing a convenient way for them to complete the application process and have all of their questions answered in a centralized and relaxed environment – our offices – is simply a better approach.”

Tzell clients interested in taking advantage of this exclusive opportunity are required to complete the TSA Pre✓™ online application prior to June 13. During Tzell’s TSA Pre✓™ Mobile Enrollment Program, professional enrollment agents will be at Tzell headquarters to obtain an applicant’s biographic data and fingerprints, which will be securely transmitted to the TSA on the client’s behalf. Clients confirmed for expedited airport screening will receive confirmation of their status within 2-3 weeks.

“We all lead very busy schedules both personally and professionally. Knowing in advance that I have a secured time and date to accomplish this very important item on my ‘to do’ list is simply invaluable,” stated Tzell agent Maria A. Ravnikar of New York, NY. “The TSA Pre-Check Mobile Enrollment Program Tzell offers exclusively to its agents and clients is just one of the many reasons why they continue to be a cut above the rest.”

To learn more about Tzell Travel Group and its first-class, white-glove, personalized and proactive customer service, visit Tzell.com.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

With annual sales of $2 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states.

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

The post Tzell Travel Group Provides Clients with Exclusive TSA Pre✓™ Mobile Enrollment Program appeared first on Travel Leaders Group.

Tzell Travel Group joins travel agencies and travel agents throughout the United States in Travel Leaders Group’s “Day of Giving”

New York, NY (July 30, 2014) — New York-based Tzell Travel Group is pleased to announce that its employees recently raised over $22,000 and collected 500 pounds of food to support Food Bank For New York City. Tzell agents and staff members collected the non-perishable food items at Tzell’s headquarters located at 119 W 40th Street. In addition, Tzell agents and staff members volunteered at Food Bank For New York City and further increased their donation through the support of a monetary match. The philanthropic initiative was part of a nationwide Day of Giving in which Tzell joined with other Travel Leaders Group travel agencies and travel agents throughout the United States on July 10 in a concentrated effort to reduce hunger. Tzell is a Travel Leaders Group company.

“We’re proud to join the many other travel agents and agencies participating in the annual Travel Leaders Group Day of Giving. Giving back to our local community has always been an essential part of who we are,” stated Tzell Travel Group President, J.D. O’Hara. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all of the agents and staff members within Tzell Travel Group who supported this initiative. With the corporate matching program Food Bank For New York City has in place, our total amount raised was $22,000. The monetary donation, along with the 500 pounds of food collected, will provide an estimated 110,000 meals through Food Bank For New York City.”

O’Hara added, “According to Food Bank For New York City, approximately 2.6 million New Yorkers experience difficulty affording food for themselves and their families. As the summer months are particularly slow for most food shelves, it’s important that we support the local community and this worthy cause.”

“Tzell Travel Group and their Day of Giving efforts are greatly appreciated here at Food Bank For New York City,” said Lee Cheney, food/fund sourcing manager for Food Bank For New York City. “The support that Tzell provides is tremendous, yet humbling. They understand that the summer months are a difficult time for those we serve, as students are out of school and more food is needed for the family table. Food Bank For New York City could not be more proud to have Tzell as supporter and as a friend.”

All totaled, the concerted Day of Giving effort collected more than 18,500 food and toiletry items weighing in at 7,889 pounds – nearly four tons. Approximately 240 Travel Leaders Group employees and travel agents volunteered 697.5 hours with local food banks in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.

Those interested in learning more about the Food Bank For New York City can visit http://www.foodbanknyc.org. To learn more about Tzell Travel Group, go to www.Tzell.com.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

The post New York-Based Tzell Travel Group Donates $22,000 and 500 Pounds of Food to Support Food Bank For New York City appeared first on Travel Leaders Group.

Tzell agents have the ability to distribute “The Hub” – an information-rich corporate travel newsletter – to their clients on a monthly basis.

New York, NY (August 28, 2014) — Today, Tzell Travel Group is pleased to introduce The Hub, Tzell’s new sophisticated corporate travel newsletter. The Hub will be available, on a monthly basis, via email, to Tzell agents. In addition, Tzell agents will have the ability to distribute the corporate newsletter to their clients as a personalized touch point. The Hub will provide consistent, compelling information on travel industry news, supplier updates, essential tips and inspiration for travel. The Hub adds to the already extensive suite of content, technology, programs and education Tzell Travel Group provides its agents to help strengthen their business.

“Tzell Travel Group is constantly evaluating different opportunities to create efficiencies for our agents and supply them with a means to stay connected to their clients on a regular basis,” stated Tzell President, J.D. O’Hara. “The Hub is unique because it not only provides a centralized location for global industry updates and information for our agents, but the content is also beneficial for all frequent travelers who want to be kept up-to-date on the latest in business travel.”

O’Hara continued, “The newsletter distribution is managed by our Tzell headquarters team. However, when a client receives The Hub, it will appear as though the email has been sent directly from their agent. This type of offering is extremely beneficial for our agents, because we manage the content development and distribution, thus providing our agents time to create and nurture relationships with potential and existing clients.”

The Hub will include striking, recurring industry features such as Above It All, news on the airline industry; Hot Hotels – features on new and updated hotels; the Insider’s Guide – with updates on news and regulations that affect travelers; At Your Leisure, information about leisure travel services; and New At Tzell, which will provide clients with updates on Tzell Travel Group. In addition, The Hub will also provide quick links to: the U.S. Department of State, information on visas and passports, TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry and currency exchange information.

“For me, it’s about placing our clients at the center of everything we do,” stated Tzell agent Kim Reicherter-Specht of New York, NY. “The Hub is a great outlet to provide awareness on updates concerning the travel industry, specific destinations and locations, and all matters related to Tzell. The Hub is not only a benefit to me, but also for my clients.”

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About Tzell Travel Group:

With annual sales of $2 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states.

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.

www.Tzell.com

The post Tzell Travel Group Introduces “The Hub” Newsletter appeared first on Travel Leaders Group.

With Further Growth Eyed for Protravel UK and Tzell UK, Gail Grimmett named President of Travel Leaders UK

How to Travel Like a Celebrity: Tzell Experts Make the Impossible Happen

New York-based Tzell Travel Group Donates Nearly $15,000 and 12,000 Pounds of Food to Support Food Bank For New York City

Travel + Leisure Honors Six Tzell Travel Group Advisors on 2016 A-List of Top Travel Agents

Tzell Travel Group Celebrates 50 Years of Expert VIP Traveler Care with Series of Events in New York City

Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group Leaders Participate in Covenant House Executive “Sleep Out”

Tzell Travel Group Delegation among Travel Industry Elite Invited to 2016 International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes

Tzell and Protravel International Chairman Barry Liben Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by Travel Weekly

Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group Welcome New Vice President of Marketing and Demand Analytics: Asmita Singh

Tzell Travel Group Honors 75 Travel Agent Advisors and Staff for Milestone Anniversaries and Achievements

Travel Leaders UK Announced as Newest GTMC Member

Travel Leaders Elite Division Launches Customized Itinerary Solution with Umapped

Tzell Travel Group Honors Agent Bob Chirlian with Inaugural Tzell Humanitarian Award

Travel Leaders Group Opens United Kingdom Headquarters to Target European Growth

Top Executives from Delta Air Lines, Sabre and Classic Vacations among Industry Leaders Addressing Annual Tzell Branch Meeting

Tzell Travel Group Foundation Raises Over $80,000 During its Annual Charity Drive

Tzell Travel Group Names Jose Ferreira as Vice President of Business Solutions

Tzell Travel Group Provides Clients with Exclusive TSA Pre✓™ Mobile Enrollment Program

New York-Based Tzell Travel Group Donates $22,000 and 500 Pounds of Food to Support Food Bank For New York City

Tzell Travel Group Introduces “The Hub” Newsletter