Altitude by Direct Travel Unveils Luxury Advisor Network Expansion
Direct Travel is redefining the landscape of the luxury travel industry with the introduction of Altitude by Direct Travel. This new initiative within its Leisure Travel division seeks to empower independent travel advisors specializing in premium services, marking a significant shift in how luxury travel advisor networks operate across North America.
Altitude by Direct Travel: A New Era in Luxury Travel
With Altitude by Direct Travel, the company is expanding its presence through one of North America’s most powerful hosted advisor networks. This initiative underscores Direct Travel’s commitment to excellence, reinforcing its reputation for superior advisory support and partnerships built over decades in the travel industry.
Gerard Bellino, President of Leisure Travel at Direct Travel, emphasizes, “Altitude represents more than a new brand; it formalizes our commitment to the luxury advisor community,” highlighting the operational prowess that Direct Travel is known for. The launch comes at a time when luxury travel demand has reached unprecedented levels, with high-net-worth travelers seeking increasingly personalized and exclusive experiences.
Empowering Independent Travel Advisors with Premium Resources
The vast resources and purchasing power of Direct Travel are now at the disposal of Altitude’s network. This translates into access to elite level collaborations with luxury hotel brands, premium cruises, and exclusive membership to Virtuoso, a prominent global luxury travel network. Cruise travel remains a cornerstone offering, now enhanced with premium airline contracts and tailored services that independent advisors previously couldn’t access on their own.
Stephen Smith, Executive Vice President of Leisure Travel, points out the critical role of technology in Altitude’s offerings: “Independent travel advisors are entrepreneurs. Our technology investments ensure streamlined client management and booking tools, backed by data-driven insights for business growth.” This integration of advanced technology serves as a hallmark of the Altitude network, enhancing the travel experience offered by its advisors and providing them with competitive advantages in an increasingly digital marketplace.
The network’s technology platform includes sophisticated CRM systems, real-time inventory management, and automated marketing tools that help advisors scale their businesses while maintaining the personalized touch that luxury clients expect.
Industry Impact and Market Positioning
The launch of Altitude by Direct Travel comes as the luxury travel market experiences robust growth, with industry analysts projecting continued expansion through 2025. The network positions itself to capture this growth by providing advisors with the tools and partnerships necessary to compete with larger travel management companies while maintaining their entrepreneurial independence.
Market trends indicate that affluent travelers increasingly prefer working with knowledgeable advisors who can provide insider access and personalized service. Altitude’s model addresses this demand by combining the resources of a major travel company with the personalized service of independent advisors.
Unwavering Support and Tailored Services
Altitude’s launch comes with a dedicated management team committed to providing robust support to independent travel advisors. As Joelle Goldman, Vice President of Host Services and Luxury Hotel Program, explains, advisors are the program’s core: “Our dedicated team provides tailored support, curated marketing, and a community that empowers advisors to excel.”
The support structure includes ongoing education programs, marketing resources, and access to exclusive events and familiarization trips that help advisors stay current with luxury travel trends and destinations. This comprehensive approach ensures that Altitude advisors can provide clients with first-hand knowledge and insider perspectives.
A Next-Generation Luxury Travel Experience
Travelers engaged with Altitude by Direct Travel can anticipate a significantly enhanced travel journey, curated by advisors equipped with advanced tools and comprehensive support. This launch signifies not just a network expansion but a redefined approach to luxury travel services. With an emphasis on technology, strategic alliances, and community support, Direct Travel is setting the stage for a new era of high-end travel, promising innovative and personalized travel experiences that meet the evolving expectations of luxury travelers.
The Altitude by Direct Travel network represents a forward-thinking approach to luxury travel advisory services, positioning both the company and its advisor partners for continued growth in the premium travel segment.
