Gifted Travel Network on Trevello Deal: ‘Philosophy Was So Aligned’

Gifted Travel Network (GTN) was not looking for a buyer when Trevello World Holdings Inc. approached with an offer in early 2024. But a year later, Trevello sealed the deal and acquired the luxury host agency. 

In fact, GTN had already turned down at least two other prospective buyers, Meredith Calloway, GTN’s chief vision officer, told Travel Market Report. Trevello impressed her and GTN CEO Jen Cochrane with its new compensation program, commitment to business education, and desire to keep things at the North Carolina-based host essentially “status quo.” 

“We were not looking to sell,” Calloway said. “But when we had the conversation with [Trevello CEO Morris Chia and co-chairman Andy Stuart], it was very different. We were like ‘Oh wow, their philosophy was so aligned with us.'” 

That philosophy is “to innovate and elevate the travel profession,” she added, noting that Trevello particularly valued GTN’s reputation in the luxury space and dedication to education that it’s demonstrated from its inception in 2013. 

“What we’re known for is really educating on the business side of travel, not just educating on travel products,” Calloway said. “We are very focused on helping our advisors understand how to run a business selling travel, not just selling travel. That is a huge focus for us, and they value that and recognized it.” 

Previously a Canada-only host, the acquisition also notably offers Trevello a foothold in the U.S., as the company will launch a U.S. division, under the leadership of industry veteran Erwing Hernandez, on May 1, 2025. 

For GTN, the deal allows the about 380-member host to operate the same as before (Calloway and Cochrane have maintained their roles, only they are now shareholders of the company) and take advantage of Trevello’s resources. 

“We felt like this was a really great opportunity for us to not only continue to deliver what we deliver but also to offer our advisors something new and exciting,” Sandy Saburn, GTN’s chief communications officer, told TMR. “We’re working together now to identify areas where maybe we can help one another.” 

The teams at GTN and Trevello are looking into the technology, booking tools, and partner relationships that they can share going forward. In about six months, GTN will be rolling out new programs for its members that are yet to be announced. 

For Calloway, Trevello’s innovation on compensation structure was also a huge factor in agreeing to sell. That new travel advisor compensation model, Momentum, launched in January 2025 in Canada, will soon roll out for Gifted and Trevello USA. It starts advisors at 85% commission and moves them up to 100% once they earn $15,000.