Direct Travel Acquires Strategic Partner ATPI

Denver-based Direct Travel has acquired its long-time strategic partner ATPI, creating a travel management business handling more than $6 billion in annual total travel volume. 

The TMCs began working together in 2017. Direct Travel – which acquired Canada’s Vision Travel in 2017 — was itself acquired last year by an investment group led by Steve Singh. 

And the Direct/ATPI deal follows an intense period of consolidation in the industry, including the completion of American Express Global Business Travel’s purchase of CWT and the acquisition of Key Travel’s European operation by Canada’s Globespan Travel Management.

However, Direct Travel and ATPI say the acquisition is about growth and enhanced capabilities, stating that the combined company “is now one of few global agencies with a presence in more than 90 countries.” 

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Manchester, UK, ATPI was ranked eighth-largest of European TMCs.  It specializes in the corporate, marine, energy, sports and group travel sectors.

The companies said they do not anticipate any redundancies as a result of the acquisition and the ATPI brand will continue for at least the near future. 

“This partnership represents a pivotal moment in reshaping managed travel, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions and a seamless experience for clients across a range of sectors and of all sizes and locations,” said Direct Travel CEO Christal Bemont.

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