THE PULSE: Travel Experts reported first year-over-year growth of 22.2 percent and grew its membership of independent contracts by 28 last year.

WHY IT RATES:  Travel Experts'  first-quarter growth reflects the strengthening economy and travelers' desires to sate their wanderlust.

Travel Experts’ Independent Contractors reported first quarter year-over-year growth of 22.2 percent, as Travel Experts celebrates 25 years in business. They also expanded their membership of independent contractors by 28 in 2013. 

“At Travel Experts we have the luxury of working with the most passionate independent contractors in the industry,” said Susan Ferrell, president of Travel Experts.  “Providing a platform that supports the business goals of our agents who are true entrepreneurs, and the dedication of our support staff has proven to be the key to our success, and to the success of our affiliates.”

“After being with two other agencies, Travel Experts is the best in this business for support, loyalty, generosity, expertise and connections,” said Dr. Patty Calvert, president of Patty’s Getaways, an affiliate of Travel Experts. “They treat us like their best customers, offer financial support for professional activities, and give us technical support that is beyond the norm.”

Among its many accolades, Travel Experts takes great pride in being one of Virtuoso’s top producers. “Last year Virtuoso recognized Travel Experts with an achievement award for having the highest year-over-year growth within our network and they’re already poised to outperform their 2013 sales,” said Becky Powell, Virtuoso’s Senior Vice President of Global Member Sales.  “Their commitment to growing their base of knowledgeable, professional travel advisors while simultaneously supporting our preferred suppliers has led to their continued sales success with us.”

Travel Experts’ sales volumes bring special recognition and special rewards.  They are in dozens of top selling circles including the Viking Platinum Circle, the Peninsula Hotels PENClub, the Abercrombie & Kent Connoisseurs Club; they are a member of Crystal Cruises Platinum Plus, the Cunard Inner Circle, Four Seasons Preferred Partner and Orient Express’s Bellini Club.

As a result of their exemplary work they have been invited to be a Starwood Luxury Travel Advisory Board member and Travel Experts affiliates are perennial favorites on both the Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Agents and Travel + Leisure’s  A+ List.

SOURCE: Travel Experts press release