InteleTravel Acquires Hickory Global Partners

InteleTravel has officially acquired global corporate travel alliance Hickory Global Partners.

The host agency, which is the world’s largest host travel agency, said that the acquisition helps it service travelers who are increasingly traveling for both business and leisure at the same time.

Hickory president Chris Dane will stay on and work closely with InteleTravel president James Ferrara, the host agency said in its announcement. Hickory will continue to operate as its own brand as a wholly owned until of InteleTravel

InteleTravel also said that Dane will lead the focus on emerging market opportunities, a new version of Hickory 365 staffing solutions, and a new Hickory business travel education and certification program for InteleTravel advisors.

“Merging leisure and corporate travel businesses at a time when travel is booming and the lines for both sectors are becoming more blurred positions us for greater growth and benefits for our members, advisors, and preferred suppliers,” said Dane.

“We have a vision for a consortium that leads into the next decades with a modern view of business and leisure travelers, and advantages, technology, and supply for our members to satisfy those needs. InteleTravel’s resources and reach will help us do that.”

The two, in the announcement, also said that Hickory agents will now also get support for leisure bookings, and InteleTravel agents will get expanded earning opportunities with “business travel-focused education, negotiated travel products and services through Hickory’s air portfolio, preferred hotel and amenities programs, expense management tools, and ancillary supplier partnerships.”

“Business and corporate travel rebounded faster than predicted following the pandemic, and the leisure travel market continues to boom into 2023,” said Ferrara. “However, the pandemic, new technologies and trends have changed travelers, which requires new solutions.”