Direct Travel Company Profile
Background
Overview
Direct Travel is a leading corporate travel management company that has been providing comprehensive travel solutions for over 40 years. The company specializes in delivering customized travel programs, leveraging advanced technology and expert insights to offer superior service and significant cost savings to its clients. With a global presence, Direct Travel operates in over 70 locations across North America and the UK, serving a diverse clientele with tailored travel management services.
Mission and Vision
Direct Travel's mission is to reimagine business travel by making it advanced yet simple, ensuring that every journey is streamlined and the travel experience is as delightful as the purpose behind it. The company's vision is to provide 'The Perfect Trip' by combining exceptional service with innovative technology solutions.
Industry Significance
As a prominent player in the corporate travel management sector, Direct Travel is recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation. The company is ranked 15th on Travel Weekly's Power List, reflecting its significant impact and leadership within the industry.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
Direct Travel aims to deliver a dramatically better travel experience for both businesses and travelers by providing exceptional service and innovative technology solutions. The company focuses on optimizing return on investment (ROI) for clients through strategic program management and cost-saving initiatives.
Areas of Specialization
The company specializes in corporate travel management, offering services such as program management, cost savings strategies, risk management solutions, and enhancements to traveler experience. Additionally, Direct Travel provides leisure travel services, meetings and events management, and group incentive travel through its subsidiary, Creative Group, Inc.
Key Technologies Utilized
Direct Travel leverages advanced travel management tools and data analytics to provide clients with insightful reporting and strategic decision-making capabilities. The company has developed Avenir, a next-generation travel platform that simplifies managed travel with an intuitive booking experience for travelers and unmatched control for managers.
Primary Markets Targeted
Direct Travel serves a diverse clientele, including mid-market companies, large enterprises, and organizations requiring multinational travel solutions. The company's services cater to various sectors, including corporate, leisure, and specialized travel needs.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
Direct Travel has experienced significant growth through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In September 2017, the company formed a global organization with ATPI, a move that expanded its reach and capabilities. In September 2025, Direct Travel fully acquired ATPI, creating one of the world's largest travel management companies with a combined annual travel volume exceeding $6 billion.
Total Funds Raised
Specific details regarding the total funds raised by Direct Travel are not publicly disclosed. However, the company's strategic acquisitions and partnerships indicate a robust financial position and a commitment to expanding its global footprint.
Notable Investors
Direct Travel's growth has been supported by prominent investors, including Steve Singh, a venture capitalist and founder of Concur, who serves as the Executive Chairman of Direct Travel. His leadership and investment have been instrumental in the company's expansion and technological advancements.
Utilization of Capital
The capital raised through acquisitions and partnerships has been utilized to enhance Direct Travel's technological infrastructure, expand its global presence, and integrate services with acquired companies to offer comprehensive travel management solutions.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
Direct Travel's strategic focus includes the development and enhancement of its proprietary technology platform, Avenir, which aims to revolutionize the corporate travel experience by providing a unified interface for travelers and managers.
Stages of Development
Avenir is in the advanced stages of development, with ongoing enhancements to its features and capabilities to meet the evolving needs of corporate travelers and organizations.
Target Conditions
The platform is designed to address the complexities of corporate travel management, including booking processes, policy compliance, and data analytics, aiming to streamline operations and improve the overall travel experience.
Anticipated Milestones
Direct Travel anticipates the continued rollout and adoption of Avenir across its client base, with plans to integrate additional features and expand its functionalities to further enhance service delivery.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
- Avenir: A next-generation travel platform developed by Direct Travel, offering an intuitive booking experience for travelers and comprehensive control for managers.
Significant Scientific Methods
- Data Analytics: Utilizing advanced data analytics to provide clients with actionable insights and strategic decision-making capabilities.
- AI Integration: Incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance data processing and deliver real-time insights for improved service delivery.
Leadership Team
Executive Profiles
- Christal Bemont, CEO: With over 25 years of experience in the travel and technology sectors, Christal has a proven track record in digital transformation and market expansion. She previously served as CEO of Talend and held senior roles at Concur.
- Steve Singh, Executive Chairman: A prominent venture capitalist and founder of Concur, Steve has been instrumental in Direct Travel's growth and strategic direction. He also serves as a Managing Director at Madrona Venture Group and CEO of Spotnana.
- John Coffman, CFO: With over 30 years of experience, including 13 years in public accounting, John oversees the financial management of Direct Travel. He previously served as Vice President of Global Mergers and Acquisitions at Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
- Scott Schwisow, CIO: Scott leads the expansion of technology initiatives and the implementation of Direct Travel's technology stack, Avenir. He has expertise in acquisition integration and business transformation, having previously led the Business Transformation team at SAP Concur.
- Sarah Kuberry Martino, CPO: Sarah brings over a decade of industry experience, leading the development of Avenir and fostering strategic collaborations with technology innovators across the travel industry. She previously served as Chief Product Officer at Modern Health.
- Allison Breeding, CMO: With over 20 years of global marketing leadership experience, Allison drives brand recognition and demand generation at Direct Travel. She has previously led teams at Red Hat, Docker, and Apptio.
- Christine Sikes, COO: Christine is responsible for service execution and operational efficiency at Direct Travel. She has over 35 years of leadership experience in the travel industry and has been with Direct Travel for over a decade.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The corporate travel management industry is characterized by a diverse range of players offering various services, from traditional travel agencies to technology-driven platforms. The market is evolving with a focus on integrating advanced technologies, enhancing traveler experience, and providing cost-effective solutions.
Competitor Analysis
- Navan: An AI-powered corporate travel and expense management platform that simplifies the user experience for travelers, companies, and suppliers.
- FCM Travel: The corporate travel division of Flight Centre Travel Group, focusing on delivering consistent service and innovative travel solutions.
- Egencia: A corporate travel platform powered by Expedia Group and part of American Express Global Business Travel, offering a modern platform for streamlined travel bookings and policy compliance.
- CWT: A global travel management company specializing in corporate travel, meetings, and event management.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Direct Travel has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its service offerings and global reach. The acquisition of ATPI in September 2025 significantly expanded its global presence and service capabilities.
Operational Insights
Direct Travel differentiates itself through a client-centered approach, unwavering integrity, innovative spirit, and collaborative excellence. The company's focus on integrating advanced technology with personalized service positions it as a leader in the corporate travel management sector.
