Tzell – Internova Travel Group

Delta Air Lines is the sole Diamond Sponsor of historic two-day celebration that includes special Branch Meeting, Industry Executive Panel, Trade Show and Gala

New York, NY (March 21, 2016) — New York-based Tzell Travel Group, founded in 1966, is announcing exciting preliminary details for honoring its monumental success with an extraordinary two-day 50^th anniversary celebration, culminating in an October 27 black-tie gala on historic Ellis Island. The unprecedented gala will be co-hosted by award-winning actors Alan Cumming and Sarah Jessica Parker, with an additional celebrity line-up to be announced. Longtime Tzell partner Delta Air Lines has been named as the sole Diamond Level sponsor for all of the events.

“It’s only appropriate that we commemorate Tzell’s amazing fifty years with a celebration that reflects not only our long, rich history, but also our future,” said Tzell Travel Group CEO Barry Liben. “I’ve only been with Tzell since 1977, and the growth I’ve seen has been astronomical. In an industry in which some travel agents couldn’t withstand the many challenges we faced, Tzell’s incredibly tenacious agents turned every challenge into exciting opportunities, making our agency one of the biggest and best.”

The anniversary events will commence with Tzell’s Branch Meeting on October 26. The all-day meeting for branch presidents from Tzell’s 50+ locations will feature an exclusive industry executive panel discussion. The Branch Meeting will be followed by a unique trade show with cocktails that is open to all Tzell agents; the trade show provides unparalleled opportunities for Tzell’s supplier partners to network with hundreds of its top agents throughout the country.

“Tzell has always prided itself in providing our valued clients with in-depth knowledge, superb expertise and individualized service through some of the most talented travel agents in the business,” continued Liben. “Our agents are renowned for living and breathing customer service, and their jobs are made easier thanks to fantastic supplier partners like Delta Air Lines, who truly value our mutually beneficial partnership. We’re proud to welcome them as a foundational partner for Tzell’s 50^th Anniversary events.”

“Delta Air Lines is privileged to be a longstanding partner of Tzell Travel Group, which, like Delta, has an industry-wide reputation for taking great care of its people and providing exceptional customer service. We congratulate Tzell on their 50^th anniversary and thank them for their productive relationship with Delta,” said Steve Sear, President – International and Executive Vice President – Global Sales for Delta.

Tzell’s 50th Anniversary Gala will commence with guests boarding specially-chartered ferries, taking them on a scenic 30-minute ride from lower Manhattan through Upper New York Bay to Ellis Island. In addition to enjoying the Gala festivities, which will feature many of Tzell’s celebrity clients from the worlds of entertainment, sports and politics, guests will have the opportunity to tour the island courtesy of the National Parks Service. Tzell’s Gala celebration will conclude with a special fireworks display over the Statue of Liberty.

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.

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 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.

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

The post Tzell Travel Group 50th Anniversary Gala on Ellis Island to be Co-Hosted by Alan Cumming and Sarah Jessica Parker appeared first on Travel Leaders Group.

Luxury leisure, corporate and entertainment travel agent advisors from both Protravel and Tzell will comprise the two integral constituencies of the new Elite Travel Division

New York, NY (April 25, 2016) – Today, Travel Leaders Group is announcing the appointment of longtime airline industry leader Gail Grimmett as President of its newly-created Elite Travel Division, effective May 16. Comprised of its two predominant travel agency brands – Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group – the new Elite Travel Division represents nearly $4 billion in annual sales volume, making it the unparalleled seller of luxury travel among travel agencies. After 19 years in key executive roles within Delta Air Lines, Grimmett will lead the senior leadership teams from both Protravel and Tzell; she will report directly to Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko. Additionally, the company is announcing that in support of Grimmett, Barry Liben will now step up to assume the role of Chairman of Protravel and Tzell after most recently serving as Tzell’s CEO.

“Ultimately, our strategy is to further strengthen the already enviable position our award-winning travel agents from both Protravel and Tzell maintain within the industry, whether they are focused on luxury leisure, corporate or entertainment. It is incumbent upon us to equip them not only with the most compelling travel experiences they can offer their clients, but also with the industry’s most dynamic visionary leadership capable of delivering on those objectives,” explained Chacko. “Through her lengthy tenure with Delta Air Lines, Gail Grimmett has continually been recognized for her innovative achievements and credited with contributing to the airline’s place as the premier U.S. carrier in today’s marketplace. She is well-respected by both industry peers and travel agents, as well as by the larger business community in New York City and State.”

Most recently, since November 2008, 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 $6 billion of revenue to the company annually. As a champion for New York, she was asked to serve as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s appointee on both the New York State Tourism Board and the New York City Regional Economic Development Council. She also serves on several other boards, including Covenant House International in New York City, the New York Building Congress, the Business Council of New York State, and NYC & Company. Those roles and 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, including nearly four years as Senior Vice President of Pricing and Yield Management, more than three and a half years as Managing Director of Investor Relations, over one year as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, and more than three years as Delta’s Chief Economist – Corporate Forecasting. Grimmett began her career as a Senior Regulatory Economist with the U.S. Department of Labor.

“Among all the various segments that have contributed to Travel Leaders Group’s remarkable growth over the past eight years, none have been more intrinsic to its success than luxury and other high-touch travel,” Grimmett noted. “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 travelers, it’s an incredible honor to be joining these two distinguished teams as we work together to take us, our agents and our valued customers to new heights.”

“We simply can’t rest on our laurels when it comes to luxury leisure, corporate and entertainment travel. The establishment of a dedicated Elite Travel Division will yield tremendous results for all our agents within Protravel and Tzell,” Barry Liben added. “Our Protravel and Tzell agents deserve continued innovation and forward-thinking leadership that can secure our preeminent position for years to come. I’m confident that Gail Grimmett is exactly the right leader to build on our strong foundation of historic success and achievements.”

With annual sales approaching $21 billion Travel Leaders Group is the largest traditional travel agency company in North America, comprised of approximately 30% of all travel agencies in North America that are wholly-owned, franchised, or member agencies. It’s a leader in both the retail travel agency space and corporate travel, and 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 of approximately $20 billion through over 6,500 locations, Travel Leaders Group ranks as one of the industry’s largest traditional travel agency companies.

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Since 2009, Tzell has coordinated 46 trips, in 27 different countries throughout the world

New York, NY (April 29, 2016) — New York-based Tzell Travel Group, founded in 1966, has been home to the top luxury travel agent advisors for 50 years, and their expertise comes from direct experience with the top luxury brands around the globe. Since 2009, Tzell has coordinated 46 different familiarization trips for its travel advisors around the globe, spanning 27 different countries. The largest trips average 125 Tzell travel agents, whereas the most exclusive have hosted as few as five. The high-end educational journeys are made possible because of Tzell’s reputation among the world’s premier suppliers, which understand the value of gaining access to the top travel agent advisors in the world.

“The best way to provide the unique, concierge-style service our high-end clients require is through firsthand experience. You can’t truly learn about a destination – with all of its facets and cultural mysteries – by sitting behind a computer,” said Barry Liben, Chairman of Tzell. “On these trips, Tzell’s travel agent advisors are fêted by the leading luxury suppliers and destinations in the world, giving them unparalleled insights so they in turn can provide their clients with the best travel experience imaginable. I’m proud that hundreds of Tzell agents have been able to take advantage of these exclusive opportunities to further their knowledge of luxury travel.”

Last year alone, Tzell developed 13 individual familiarization – or FAM – trips, sending its travel advisors to four different continents, partnering with the top suppliers in the luxury travel world. One prime example was the Tzell India trip hosted by Peirce & Leslie Luxury Travel Experts and Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces. The exclusive educational sojourn took five Tzell travel agents on a custom 10-day itinerary through the cities of Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi. Along the route the group explored Humayun’s Tomb, the 300 year old Chandni Chowk Market and several world heritage sites, including a visit to the Taj Mahal under a full moon – a very rare event for most visitors. Participants were offered access via exclusive, “behind the rope” tours of several Taj luxury properties, including the Taj Lake Palace, which was built over three centuries and is a series of four interconnecting palaces. To experience the entire journey as their clients might, the trip included business class international airfares, private local ground and air transportation, 5-star accommodations and dining, in addition to the extraordinary sights with expert local hosts and guides.

“Familiarization trips are incredibly valuable to my business and my clients. The in-depth experience each trip provides is unique,” noted Tzell travel agent Alan Orloff. “Being able to gain firsthand insights and build relationships with the top luxury companies around the world allow me to uniquely tailor every itinerary to meet my clients’ specific needs and preferences. These trips are part of what make Tzell agents the best in the world. The company goes to great lengths to provide us with comprehensive activities so we can create the most unique and personalized experiences for our clients.”

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:

www.Tzell.com

The post Tzell Knows, Because Tzell Goes: Exclusive, Sponsored Familiarization Trips Add to Agents’ Vast Expertise appeared first on Travel Leaders Group.

tzell-pro-foundation-logo

This year’s drive raised funds for three charities: East Side House Settlement, CaringKind and Wounded Warriors Family Support

New York, NY (May 13, 2016) — Today, The Tzell and Protravel Foundation announced that its annual charity drive raised more than $113,100, surpassing the monetary donations collected a year ago. This year’s annual effort – which began on December 2, 2015, and concluded on April 1, 2016 – provided an opportunity for travel agent advisors from both Tzell Travel Group and Protravel International to join with employees and the greater community in collecting donations for select organizations. This year’s charities include: East Side House Settlement, CaringKind (formerly the Alzheimer’s Association NYC chapter) and Wounded Warriors Family Support.

“I am incredibly proud and humbled that every year, our people have selflessly come together in support of our philanthropic endeavors that have touched so many lives. I personally want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has participated for their incredible generosity. None of this would have been possible without the leadership of Suzanne Halama, whose passion and tireless efforts have been the driving force behind our foundation’s growth,” stated Tzell and Protravel Chairman Barry Liben. “Supporting our community is something vital to who we are. I couldn’t be more proud to partner with East Side House Settlement, Wounded Warriors Family Support and CaringKind. Each of these organizations has a direct and impactful mission that aids those who need it most, and I know the money we raised for them will be put to very good use.”

A portion of the charitable donations from this year will go towards enriching, supplementing and enhancing New York City’s public school system to place college within reach of motivated students. East Side Settlement house provides services that enable family members to pursue their educational goals. Through technology and career readiness training, they enable students to improve their economic status and lead more fulfilling lives.

CaringKind will also benefit from The Tzell and Protravel Foundation donations this year. CaringKind’s goal is to help create, deliver and promote comprehensive and compassionate care and support services for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.

“I am deeply grateful to Tzell and Protravel International for including CaringKind in their Foundation’s annual giving campaign,” said Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of CaringKind. “This generous donation will help us continue to develop and implement innovative, creative and leading-edge caregiving initiatives for the more than 500,000 individuals and families affected by an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in New York City. It is only with the generosity of the community and support from businesses like Tzell and Protravel International that CaringKind is able to provide a unique and an unprecedented platform of programs and services, free for all who need them.”

Finally, Wounded Warriors Family Support will receive a portion of the proceeds raised during this year’s charity drive. Wounded Warriors Family Support’s mission is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. The families of servicemen and woman suffer in many ways, some financially and some psychologically.

The Tzell and Protravel Foundation – originally incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 2012 and called the Tzell Travel Group Foundation – is a nonprofit foundation and all donations made are tax-deductible. Those interested in learning more about The Tzell and Protravel Foundation can go to www.tzellfoundation.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

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.

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

The post The Tzell and Protravel Foundation Sets New Record, Raises over $113,100 appeared first on Travel Leaders Group.

Executives from Tzell attended the gala event, which was held in Kohler, Wisconsin

New York, NY (June 2, 2016) — New York City-based Tzell Travel Group, founded in 1966, was recently recognized at Abercrombie & Kent’s biennial 100 Club Gala as the “Top Sales Producer – Private Jet Journeys.” The same honor was bestowed upon Tzell in 2014. The 100 Club Gala brings together Abercrombie & Kent’s (A&K) top producing travel agents and its country directors, or representatives of its 50-plus destination management companies around the world. This year, 100 Club members were treated to a two-day event at the American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin.

“To be recognized by Abercrombie & Kent, a leader in offering discerning travelers the best in luxury and experiential travel opportunities, is truly an honor,” stated Gail Grimmett, President of Tzell Travel Group. “Being A&K’s top producer of private jet journeys demonstrates, once again, that Tzell is one of the foremost luxury travel agencies in the world. I want to congratulate all of our Tzell travel agents for their commitment to providing their clients with remarkable, experiential travel opportunities. It’s made possible by their hard work, on behalf of their clients, and in concert with our longtime partner A&K.”

As a member of A&K’s 100 Club, Tzell is part of an exclusive, invitation-only network of travel specialists who have earned their place based on their knowledge of luxury travel, A&K and their commitment to selling A&K travel itineraries. In addition to the awards gala, executives from Tzell participated in a two-day business meeting, in which they were able to network with A&K’s various country directors and managers from around the world.

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.

www.Tzell.com

The post Tzell Travel Group Honored as the Top Producer for Private Jet Journeys at Abercrombie & Kent’s 100 Club Gala appeared first on Travel Leaders 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.

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

The post With Further Growth Eyed for Protravel UK and Tzell UK, Gail Grimmett named President of Travel Leaders UK appeared first on Travel Leaders Group.

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.”

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.

www.Tzell.com

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

www.Tzell.com

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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.

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About Tzell Travel Group:

www.Tzell.com

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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.

www.Tzell.com

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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:

www.protravelinc.com

About Tzell Travel Group:

www.Tzell.com

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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.

# # #

About Tzell Travel Group:

www.Tzell.com

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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.

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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:

www.protravelinc.com

About Tzell Travel Group:

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:

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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Jody Bear, Harlan de Bell and Kara Bebell, Jessica Griscavage, Beth Jenkins and Anne Morgan Scully Proudly Represent Tzell on This Year’s A-List

New York, NY (August 31, 2017) — Travel + Leisure’s highly anticipated 16^th annual “2017 A-List of Top Travel Advisors” has been unveiled, including six of New York-based Tzell Travel Group’s best-in-class advisors. Tzell’s honorees were singled out for their extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise in several different travel categories. The 2017 A-List showcases the “139 best agents and tour operators in the business—the destination experts, wedding planners, family-reunion organizers, and cruise specialists who can help devise the trip of a lifetime.” As a member of the Travel + Leisure Travel Advisory Board, Gail Grimmett, President of Tzell Travel Group, is also included on this year’s list.

In 2017, Tzell is represented on the annual compendium by the following six, travel agent advisors for their expertise on various destinations and niche travel specialties:

Jody Bear for Destination Celebrations – Bear & Bear Travel/Tzell Travel (New York, NY)
Harlan de Bell and Kara Bebell for Weddings & Honeymoons – The Travel Siblings/Tzell Travel (New York, NY)
Jessica Griscavage for Family Travel – McCabe World Travel/Tzell Travel (McLean, VA)
Beth Jenkins for Central & South America – McCabe World Travel/Tzell Travel (McLean, VA)
Anne Morgan Scully for Western Europe – McCabe World Travel/Tzell Travel (McLean, VA)

“We are honored to see so many of our outstanding agents return to Travel + Leisure’s A-List,” noted Gail Grimmett, President of Tzell Travel Group. “I want to congratulate Jody Bear, Harlan de Bell and Kara Bebell, Jessica Griscavage, Beth Jenkins and Anne Morgan Scully for the extraordinary journeys they design for their clientele. These talented individuals have become renowned for their dedication in delivering peace-of-mind to leisure and corporate clients through their professionalism, passion for travel, and devotion to providing clients with only the best services while being at their side virtually 24/7.”

Travel + Leisure highlighted the following expertise for each Tzell representative on the A-List:

No stranger to the A-List as well as numerous other industry honors, Jody Bear has once again been noted for her expertise in “Destination Celebrations.” Travel + Leisure pointed out that “Bear’s clients are typically celebrating milestone events,” an impetus she “uses as motivation for her over-the-top itineraries, such as high-end, personalized trips to Cuba (no easy feat with the island’s limited hotels and restaurants) and food tours of Tokyo.” T+L also noted how Bear’s expertise allows her to provide her clients with ultra special-access. “In Cuba, she gets clients inside Hemingway’s house (rather than peering in from the outside like most tourists).”

Harlan de Bell and Kara Bebell – the brother/sister duo have returned to the list for their expertise in “Weddings and Honeymoons.” According to Travel + Leisure, “This brother-and-sister team has an addictive energy that gets you excited about what could otherwise be stressful: planning a destination wedding. The duo, part of the Tzell Travel Group, has coveted industry contacts—caterers, florists, and bands—in the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond, and they are often on site for big events.” Additionally, they “are also experts with pet travel and can plan dog-friendly itineraries (with plush pet-hotel amenities) and work with airlines for the best in pet care.”

Another Tzell agent returning to the vaunted list is Beth Jenkins. She was selected for her expertise in Central and South America. Travel + Leisure said, “It’s easy to see why Jenkins has such a devoted following of repeat customers. She’s a strong advocate, negotiating great rates at hotels and visiting destinations with specific clients in mind. In her early 30s herself, she’s also a pro at working with adventure-minded millennial travelers. Jenkins is often able to open doors that are closed to most, like securing tables at sought-after restaurants.”

Jessica Griscavage was selected by Travel + Leisure for her expertise in Family Travel. “Griscavage works with clients who range from couples taking newborns on first trips, to parents celebrating college [graduations] with a family vacation. She’s well versed in the joys—and challenges—of family travel because she’s often on the road with her own kiddo,” stated Travel + Leisure. Griscavage also “arranged a behind-the-scenes tour of London’s Harry Potter World, where the children got an up-close look at iconic film props and learned how creatures were brought to life with green-screen effects.”

Anne Morgan Scully – the president of McCabe World Travel – is new to the A-List and has been recognized for her knowledge in Western Europe. Travel + Leisure pointed out that travelers can “count on Scully to get very hands-on in the planning process. Along with land travel through popular countries like France, Spain, and the U.K., she’s an excellent resource for European river cruises. Thanks to perfectly paired guides, personalized tours, and thoughtful gestures such as finding a bottle of bubbly waiting in your hotel room, you’re left with little doubt that each trip was designed especially for you.”

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About Tzell Travel Group:

www.Tzell.com

About Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure is the preeminent voice for the sophisticated, insatiable traveler, serving up expert intelligence and the most immersive, inspiring travel lifestyle content anywhere. Travel + Leisure captures the pure joy of discovering the pleasures the world has to offer—from art and design to shopping and style to food and wine. Whether the experience is in print or digital, T+L offers compelling reasons to get up and go. With a total global audience of more than 9 million, the Travel + Leisure portfolio includes the U.S. flagship and five international editions in Mexico, Turkey, China, India/South Asia and Southeast Asia. The U.S. edition of T+L, which launched in 1971, has an authoritative website, TravelandLeisure.com, and an extensive social media following of more than 11 million. Travel + Leisure, a Time Inc. brand, also encompasses newsletters, clubs, retail stores, and media collaborations.

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New York, NY (September 05, 2017) — Today, Travel Leaders Elite officially announced that Don Jones will serve as Senior Vice President of West Coast Operations, which is a newly-created role. He will be responsible for guiding the leadership structure and strategic plan, as well as increasing market share and revenue, particularly for Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group on the West Coast. Jones is based in the Los Angeles-area and will report directly to Gail Grimmett, President of Travel Leaders Elite.

“We were looking for someone who knows the luxury travel industry backwards and forwards, and Don Jones has a stellar reputation and wealth of experience. He has an incredibly well-rounded skill set in working with luxury advisors and suppliers, and he will definitely help us continue to strengthen our ever-growing West Coast operations,” stated Gail Grimmett, President of Travel Leaders Elite. “We are delighted to welcome him to our organization and know his expertise will continue to elevate the outstanding work of our best-in-class travel agents and employees.”

Prior to joining Travel Leaders Elite, Jones served as Executive Vice President for Cadence Travel where he managed the day-to-day operations with emphasis on new programs designed to enhance the customer experience. During his time at Cadence, Jones fostered a sales and marketing culture throughout the company, which included new branding for all divisions, a new website launch, and the creation of an agent support marketing services bureau. He was heavily involved in elevating the employee experience through a belief in a “people first” culture, and providing clarity around roles and responsibilities with performance metrics and incentive plans.

Jones served as the Vice President of Sales – The Americas for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, before joining Cadence Travel. In that role, he managed all sales activities for Four Seasons’ primary customer segments in the Americas, which included leisure and corporate travel, as well as groups and wholesale. Jones’ long and distinguished career with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts includes positions with the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA, and the Pierre in New York City, as well as the Four Seasons Hotels in Atlanta and Newport Beach.

“Joining Travel Leaders Elite and the association with iconic brands like Tzell and Protravel is a privilege and an honor,” said Jones. Everything I have experienced in my career has led me to this opportunity of a lifetime. I look forward to working with Gail, her leadership team, and the legendary travel advisors who are the foundation of the Elite division.”

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 within Travel Leaders Group that together provide white-glove concierge level care to their discerning, high-profile clients who span the worlds of entertainment, sports, and luxury leisure. 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.

The post Highly-Regarded Luxury Executive, Don Jones, Named as Senior Vice President of West Coast Operations for Travel Leaders Elite appeared first on Travel Leaders Group.

Gail Grimmett Rises to No. 33 on This Year’s List; Recognized for Leading the Travel Industry’s Premier Luxury Travel Agencies and for Her Civic Engagement

New York, NY (September 26, 2017) — Today, Travel Leaders Elite announced that its President, Gail Grimmett, has been named one of Crain’s 2017 50 Most Powerful Women in New York. Grimmett, who has earned this prestigious biennial honor for the third consecutive time, was acknowledged for her role as President of Travel Leaders Elite, a division of Travel Leaders Group comprised of Andrew Harper Travel, Colletts Travel, Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group, as well as for other accomplishments, including her civic leadership within the travel industry. Grimmett joined fellow honorees at Crain New York Business’ celebratory luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street today.

“Gail’s accomplishments are far-reaching within the travel industry and throughout New York. In addition to her stellar service and leadership of Travel Leaders Elite, she serves on several prestigious business and charitable boards,” said Ninan Chacko, Chief Executive Officer of Travel Leaders Group. “Gail is not only a talented, hardworking, hands-on president, but she is also committed to improving the infrastructure in New York and leads by example by giving back to the community. I congratulate Gail on this well-deserved honor; she truly is one of the most powerful women in New York.”

Crain’s New York Business chooses New York’s top 50 female business leaders from more than 100 contenders identified through the outlet’s extensive network of industry sources. Grimmett, who came in at No. 33, rising one spot from No. 34 on the 2015 list and nine places from when she first made the list in 2013 at No. 41, is in great company. Some others on the list are IBM Chairman-CEO Virginia Rometty (2); fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg (4); Citibank N.A. CEO Barbara Desoer (25); New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray (34); A&E Networks CEO Nancy Dubuc (45); NASDAQ CEO Adena Friedman (48). The women are chosen based on their civic engagement, their job titles, chain of command and their organization’s revenues.

Grimmett serves as Governor Andrew Cuomo’s appointee on both the New York State Tourism Board and the New York City Regional Economic Development Council, as well as on the board of NYC & Company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York. She also sits on the board of Covenant House, a charitable organization for homeless and trafficked youth.

Crain’s New York Business noted:

“Gail Grimmett helped transform Delta Air Lines into the city’s fastest-growing carrier when she was head of its operations in New York. Now she runs the luxury travel division of the $21 billion Travel Leaders Group, a role she has held since last year. Grimmett oversees five companies with more than 2,000 agents and staff members in more than 80 offices in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Her responsibilities grew in February as [Travel Leaders Group] expanded its luxury offerings, acquiring two divisions of travel company Andrew Harper LLC as well as Colletts Travel, a high-end British agency.”

The industry leaders honored this year “are building new neighborhoods and moving major corporations into them. They are all guiding New York to a brighter future,” according to Crain’s New York Business.

“I am honored to be in such illustrious company, but most importantly, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to the city I love,” said Grimmett. “Working in the travel and tourism industry inspires me every day and I am proud to have a role in promoting tourism to New York.”

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

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About Travel Leaders Elite

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