The Louisville-based Travel Authority Inc. is changing its franchise affiliation from Carlson Wagonlit Travel Inc. to American Express.
The Travel Authority is the Louisville area’s largest travel agency and Carlson’s largest associate among its franchise affiliates, according to Business First of Louisville.
Owner Tom Lumley said the change was made after 30 years with Carlson. He cited the decision as being made because of Carlson’s restrictions.
Specifically, he said Carlson prevented his agency from having corporate accounts valued at more than $10 million.
Mr Lumley told the newspaper he appealed unsuccessfully to Carlson’s parent company, The French-based Accor Group, to lift the restrictions.
“Our needs changed, and the franchise was geared to smaller agencies,” he said.
A Carlson spokesperson said the company had no comment on the development.
Report by David Wilkening
