Cumbria-based independent travel agency Gates Travel has become the first UK member of the Tzell Travel Group.
The move will see Gates Travel develop and expand its business travel offering under the Tzell umbrella, with access to Tzell’s technology and negotiated fares.
Gates offers tailor-made leisure travel and has a well-established business travel division with over 200 account customers.
Its managing director Nick Chaloner said: “At a time when our clients are looking to us to find them cost effective travel management solutions, our affiliation with Tzell UK will bring them huge benefits.”
US Tzell Travel Group launched Tzell UK in London in February 2008.
It plans to replicate its business model in the US by recruiting independent travel agencies and individuals.
Tzell UK managing director Barry Whittaker said: “The economic climate is ripe for expanding in this way as more travel consultants opt to work independently and agencies are looking to stay ahead in what is now an extremely competitive market.
“We will continue to talk to and find new agency partners where it is mutually beneficial to form affiliations as well as expand our independent agents side of the business.”
By Bev Fearis
