History

While we’re still a relatively new company in name, our history stretches far beyond 2008. We can trace our roots back to Ask Mr. Foster Travel, a franchise brand dating back to 1888, which evolved into Carlson Wagonlit, then Travel Leaders Group. In 2020, we became Internova Travel Group.

Proud Lineage, Strong Future

Established in 2008, Internova Travel Group delivers a high-touch, personal level of travel expertise to leisure, luxury and corporate clients through our more than 6,000 company-owned, franchised and affiliated travel agencies throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico and a presence in more than 80 countries.

 

Today, Internova Travel Group represents more than 100,000 travel advisors worldwide and ranks as one of the industry’s largest travel services companies. Headquartered in New York City and active around the globe, our extensive network can assist travelers all around the world. Our team of leaders — from our expert travel advisors to our executives — are dedicated to delivering the best travel experiences.

 

In January 2008, Travel Acquisitions Group (TAG), led by Michael Batt, is created through a management-led buyout of Carlson Leisure Group from Minneapolis-based Carlson Companies. In March of that year, TAG acquires TraveLeaders, which is later renamed Travel Leaders Franchise Group. In August, TAG merges with luxury travel agency company Tzell Travel Group. Tzell’s Barry Liben becomes first CEO.

 

TAG announces the creation of Travel Leaders Corporate, a new business travel division, in February 2009. That May, TAG officially changes its name to Travel Leaders Group. Later in August, Travel Leaders Group acquires Nexion, a leading North American host agency for home-based travel agents, from Sabre Holdings. Travel Leaders Group announces acquisition of Vacation.com — North America’s largest vacation and cruise selling network — from Amadeus Americas, Inc. in December 2009.

 

In October 2012, Travel Leaders Group launches Agent Profiler to connect travelers to ideal travel advisors via TravelLeaders.com. Protravel International becomes part of Travel Leaders Group in November 2012. The following year, Travel Leaders Group unveils new luxury hotel program, SELECT Hotels & Resorts, in May 2013.

 

Ninan Chacko, CTC, becomes CEO of Travel Leaders Group in 2016. That August, Travel Leaders Network is formed through the combination of Vacation.com, Results! Travel and Travel Leaders Franchise Group.

 

In January 2017, TL Network officially launches in Canada and Travel Leaders Group acquires Andrew Harper Travel, a boutique luxury travel agency brand. Travel Leaders Group also acquires Colletts Travel Limited, a luxury travel agency brand based in the United Kingdom. In May 2017, Travel Leaders Group acquires Corporate Travel Services of Mexico and launches game-changing website and influential travel brand Vacation. Travel Leaders Group merges with industry powerhouse ALTOUR in July and adds Travel Management Partners to its corporate portfolio in September 2017.

 

Travel Leaders Group declares 2018 “The Year of the Travel Agent” and acquires Barrhead Travel Group, one of the largest retail travel companies in the United Kingdom, that February. Innovative business travel hub, View from 36K, launches in August. By the end of the year, the new corporate headquarters opens at 1633 Broadway and serves as the headquarters of Travel Leaders Group, Travel Leaders Corporate, Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group.

 

In January 2019, Travel Leaders Group acquires YES (Your Event Solutions).

 

In January 2020, J.D. O’Hara becomes CEO of Travel Leaders Group. In May 2020, Travel Leaders Group rebrands as Internova Travel Group.

 

Internova Travel Group continues its rise in the travel industry, acquiring new brands, attracting new advisors and partners, creating new, innovative programs — all to empower the world to travel.