Colorado-based Direct Travel, a leading travel management company, is expanding its reach globally with the acquisition of a British travel company.

Direct Travel, in business for about 50 years, has announced the acquisition of longtime partner ATPI. This strategic move will combine forces to drive over $6 billion in annual total travel volume across global corporate and leisure travel, events, and specialized travel sectors.

ATPI, known for its global presence in over 90 countries, specializes in markets such as oil, mining, and energy. On the other hand, Direct Travel primarily focuses on corporate travel in the U.S. and Canada. The companies have a history of collaboration and share a commitment to customer care.

The newly blended company, named Direct Travel and ATPI, will be led by CEO Christal Bemont and ATPI CEO Ian Sinderson. With approximately 4,400 employees, the company aims to provide enhanced services through a combination of specialized offerings, innovative technologies, and skilled customer teams.

Steve Singh, venture capitalist and founder of Concur, joined other investors in 2024 to acquire Direct Travel, where he serves as executive chairman. Bemont, who worked with Singh at Concur, has been instrumental in integrating advanced technology across the company to enhance customer service.

Despite challenges faced by the travel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, business travel is projected to reach a historic high of $1.57 trillion in 2025. The Global Business Travel Association anticipates a moderate 6.6% increase this year, citing global tensions and policy uncertainties as contributing factors.

In Colorado, the business travel industry supported nearly 100,000 jobs and generated $5.5 billion in total wages and income in 2022. As the industry evolves, Direct Travel and ATPI are poised to meet the changing needs of customers and drive innovation in travel management.