NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Today, New York City‘s two premier travel companies are announcing that they’re joining forces: Tzell Travel Group – a Travel Leaders Group company – has signed an agreement to merge with Protravel International, Inc., pending government antitrust approval. The merged operations within Travel Leaders Group would represent combined annual sales volume of over $2.35 billion. Travel Leaders Group CEO Barry Liben has indicated that once the deal closes, Tzell and Protravel would continue operating “as is” with no plans to change the successful models both companies have created. Under the terms of the agreement, Protravel founder Priscilla Alexander would continue serving as its President.

Travel Leaders Group is headquartered in Minnesota and ranks among North America‘s top five traditional travel agency enterprises, enjoying nearly $17 billion in annual sales volume in 2011 through its wholly-owned, franchised and member operations. As Travel Leaders Group’s leading wholly-owned agency, New York City-based Tzell Travel Group’s sales approached $1.5 billion last year. In turn, 2011 sales for Protravel exceeded $850 million. While it is anticipated that the merger will close in November, full terms of the deal will not be disclosed since both companies are privately held.

“Through the years, we have encountered many travel companies, but few formidable competitors have ever captured our admiration and respect to the extent that Protravel International has. I know I speak on behalf of everyone within our company when I say that we couldn’t be more thrilled to now join forces with such an exceptionally well-operated company,” stated Liben. “Protravel represents a crown jewel not only within the New York travel arena, but also throughout the United States and even internationally as they have established themselves as one of the industry’s top travel companies. We not only share very similar philosophies on the way we conduct business through a strong code of ethics, but like us, their success has been achieved by providing phenomenal service and expertise. Our companies complement each other exceedingly well.”

“Throughout our history dating back to 1984, we’ve been guided by a quest to be leaders in innovation and talent. Now, we’re excited to take our experience to the next level by combining forces throughout the United States with New York City‘s other great travel agency leader: Tzell Travel Group. Together we now have 72 branches that extend to most major markets across the country and in the United Kingdom,” noted Alexander. “We are proud to now be associated with Travel Leaders Group. Their commitment to excellence provides peace of mind to our discerning clients and agents that we’ll continue providing extraordinary care far beyond their expectations.”

Travel Leaders Group ranks as the #1 travel management company by Business Travel News, and is among the top ten travel companies on Travel Weekly‘s 2012 Power List. www.travelleadersgroup.com

About Tzell Travel Group:
With annual sales approaching $1.5 billion in 2011, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states.

In everything it does, Tzell Travel Group places the highest priority on both its corporate client and its agents. For the individual traveler, Tzell addresses value, convenience, comfort and safety, with its customized quality traveler services. For the corporation, Tzell offers a broad product line of cost containment, meeting services and comprehensive travel management programs.

Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the ‘safe haven’ which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.
www.Tzell.com

About Protravel International, Inc.:
Founded in 1984, Protravel International, Inc. is a full-service, dynamic travel company with an award-winning reputation. With annual sales reaching over $850 million, Protravel is headquartered in New York City and supports a network of 22 branch locations throughout the United States and London, plus a network of hosted agents in all corners of the U.S. Today, over 800 people make up the Protravel organization. Our expertise in destination, international faring and competitive products – coupled with our superior network of contacts in the airline, hotel, cruise and hospitality industry – makes Protravel one of the most powerful selling forces in the travel industry.

Protravel’s diversity of products, size of annual sales and nationally recognized stature permits them to leverage these strengths to bring the most competitive pricing and aggressive negotiations for our highly diverse client base. It is a company-wide commitment to search for the best possible travel options for our customers. Travel arrangements are personally tailored to take optimum advantage of the most up to the minute changes in the industry.

For many years, a dedicated team has guided Protravel with innovative ideas and skills. By incorporating the latest technologies and carefully monitoring industry developments, the finest products and highest levels of service are maintained. The continued success of Protravel is a testament to our sound operation and well-planned development.
www.protravelinc.com

SOURCE Travel Leaders Group