Direct Travel, a prominent travel management company based in Colorado, has announced its acquisition of British travel firm ATPI, marking a significant expansion in its global operations. The deal, which was revealed on Monday, will enhance the combined companies’ annual total travel volume to over $6 billion, encompassing corporate and leisure travel, as well as specialized sectors such as events.
The financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed. Direct Travel, headquartered in Centennial, has been in operation for nearly 50 years and has collaborated with ATPI for several years. This partnership has provided a foundation for the merger, as both companies aim to leverage their strengths in the travel management space.
Christal Bemont, CEO of Direct Travel, emphasized the importance of ATPI’s global presence, stating that the company operates in over 90 countries. ATPI is particularly known for its focus on specialty markets, including oil, mining, and energy, which constitute about two-thirds of its business. The firm also offers event management services, although its footprint in North America has been limited. In contrast, Direct Travel primarily caters to the U.S. and Canadian markets, with around two-thirds of its operations concentrated on corporate travel.
“Over the past few years, we have supported more than 100 customers together,” Bemont noted. “We’ve recognized that while both companies are aligned in prioritizing customer care, the experience has not always been optimal due to our separate operations.” The merger is expected to enhance the customer experience by allowing both companies to operate more seamlessly.
Ian Sinderson, CEO of ATPI, expressed confidence in the merger, stating, “Bringing our two organizations together will enable us to better serve clients collectively, through the combination of our specialized services, innovative technologies, and highly skilled customer teams.” The newly integrated company will operate under the name Direct Travel and ATPI, with Bemont serving as CEO and Sinderson taking a role as one of the presidents of various groups within the organization. The combined workforce will total approximately 4,400 employees.
Bemont, who joined Direct Travel in April 2024, has prioritized technological advancements to enhance service delivery. She pointed out that while business travel has rebounded following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many travel management firms struggled to adapt. “They were significantly impacted, much like other industries, and have fallen behind in technology,” she explained.
The Global Business Travel Association forecasts that worldwide business travel spending will reach a historic high of $1.57 trillion by 2025. However, the group also cautioned that an expected moderate growth of 6.6% this year is influenced by ongoing global tensions and uncertainty regarding tariffs and policies. In Colorado alone, the business travel sector supported approximately 98,541 jobs and generated $5.5 billion in total wages and income in 2022, according to the association’s report released in 2024.
The merger between Direct Travel and ATPI represents a strategic move to enhance service offerings and operational efficiency in an increasingly competitive market.
