US firm Travel Leaders has combined the operations of its two largest UK businesses Pro Travel International UK and Tzell UK.
The two companies, which employ more than 60 independent advisors and have a combined annual turnover of £40 million, will operate under Travel Leaders UK.
Travel Leaders Group chief executive Barry Liben said this move is the first step on an “aggressive” expansion plan.
“These businesses complement each other very well, which is good news for our clients, agents and suppliers,” he said. “The objective is to replicate the success of our US business on this side of the Atlantic.”
Since its inception in 2008, Travel Leaders Group has grown from annual sales volume of more than £3 billion to more than £12 billion last year.
According to reports Travel Leaders Group now accounts for approximately one-third of all US-based travel agency operations, making it one of the largest travel companies in North America.
Liben said the company expects growth to be both organic and through acquisition.
Protravel’s Tina Rose has been appointed director of the UK operation, while Tzell UK’s Barry Whittaker has been named executive director of business development and acquisitions.