Corporate Travel Management (CTM) completed its acquisition of 1000 Mile Travel Group on Friday, expanding into the independent consultant (IC) model.
Founded in 2015, 1000 Mile Travel is a network of independent travel experts specialising in SME business travel services across Australia and the UK, offering high-touch travel management expertise.
The business model supports a growing workforce of travel experts who manage their own customer portfolio while leveraging the buying power and technology of a major agency.
CTM founder and managing director, Jamie Pherous said the acquisition offers 1000 Mile Travel’s agents and customers the benefits of CTM’s scale, buying power, access to content and intuitive technology
for greater value.
“1000 Mile Travel Group is a highly successful business that has crafted a unique value proposition for those agents wanting to not only manage their own SME portfolio from home, but also grow that portfolio and provide services demanded by corporate clients,” he commented.
“We’ve been partnering with 1000 Mile Travel for nearly a year through the provision of our proprietary Lightning online booking technology.
“During that time, we have recognised a strong alignment between our businesses based upon shared values, common technology systems and high growth objectives, and we believe – through the leadership of 1000 Mile Travel – we are well-placed to expand the 1000 Mile Travel model into our largest markets of North America and the UK.”
1000 Mile Travel founder and managing director, Ben Ross said the acquisition paves the way for significant growth for the company and its network of independent business owners at a pivotal time in the industry’s recovery.
“Our business was established to meet the needs of the independent corporate travel business owner market, and our business model has grown from strength to strength,” Ross added.
“That model has never been more in demand than it is in the post-pandemic environment, and we’re excited to take the next step of our growth journey with CTM – a company that demonstrates the same values that have underpinned our own success, through high-touch service and innovation, and building meaningful relationships with staff, customers and within the travel industry.”
