As we take Tzell beyond its first 50 years, it has never been more strategically important for us to continue attracting new talent into our business
Gail Grimmett, President of Tzell Travel Group
Seven Tzell Team Members Celebrate at Least 25 Years with Tzell, Spanning Half of the Company’s Storied History; Another 32 Underscore Tzell’s Commitment to Future Growth
New York, NY (February 24, 2017) — Recently, Tzell Travel Group – renowned for its white-glove 24/7 concierge travel agency care over the past 50 years – recognized a record 75 travel agent advisors and staff members for their milestone anniversaries with the agency. Topping the list of honorees were two New York City-based travel agents – Michelle Clausi Ferrara and Jan Honick – who have achieved 30 years of service to travelers within Tzell. Tzell is also announcing today that its valued team member Juan Villoch has been honored with Tzell’s Humanitarian Award for his efforts at combating the bullying of “at risk” girls.
“All of us at Tzell Travel Group are incredibly proud of our more than 50 years of serving a cross-section of the most distinguished travelers – ranging from a former U.S. President to some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports. Yet because we treat each and every traveler as a VIP in their own right, it is incumbent upon us to attract and retain some of the industry’s best-in-class travel advisors and talent to meet their individual needs,” explained Gail Grimmett, President of Tzell Travel Group. “That is precisely why we are so thrilled to honor each of our amazing travel agents and team members on their anniversary milestones with Tzell. Agents like Michelle Clausi Ferrara and Jan Honick inspire us all with their impeccable service and trademark white-glove care they provide to some of the most discerning travelers. We are grateful to them and all of our team for providing Tzell clients with the ultimate in peace of mind.”
In addition to Clausi Ferrara and Honick, Grimmett honored New York-based agents Michael Martocci, Deborah Frantz, Keith Baker, Fred Del Pozzo and Shannon Santiago on reaching their silver anniversaries with Tzell. In a message to all Tzell employees and travel agents, Grimmett noted that, “Tzell is nothing without each of you. That is why it was truly an honor and privilege to recognize 75 of you at our annual Anniversary Awards. Your contributions are beyond measure.”
Other veteran honorees included six individuals who have been with Tzell for 20 years and 29 more who have been with the organization for 15 years. Also demonstrating how the business has continued to grow in recent years, 16 of the honorees celebrated fifth anniversaries with Tzell, along with another 17 who have now been within the Tzell family for 10 years.
“As we take Tzell beyond its first 50 years, it has never been more strategically important for us to continue attracting new talent into our business,” Grimmett added. “Whether they come from another travel agency or other travel industry segment, or they come fresh from college or careers in other industries, we are always pleased to welcome enterprising individuals into Tzell.”
In addition to honoring those celebrating service anniversaries, Tzell has also singled out the contributions of Juan Villoch, a staff member who has risen through the agency’s ranks, with its annual Humanitarian Award.
“As Tzell’s Humanitarian Award recipient, Juan Villoch started with us in 1999 as a messenger. But in aspiring to greater heights, Juan sought out opportunities to move into the IT side of our operations; his contributions have been substantial and respected by Tzell’s leadership and his peers alike,” Grimmett stated. “Despite the enormous energy he puts into his role with Tzell, he has still found time to start a girls softball league that is focused on bullied and ‘at risk’ girls. We are proud not only to have him a valued colleague but also as an inspiration to everyone who wants to make a difference. Juan has proven you can excel and succeed if you put your heart and mind into it.”
Since 1966, Tzell Travel Group has been providing its clients with the highest quality, most personalized travel experience integrated with today’s technology – whether it be corporate, entertainment or leisure travel. Tzell offers comprehensive travel management programs that blend the vast resources it is able to deliver as a travel powerhouse with the personalized dedication and emphasis on quality.
About Tzell Travel Group:
With annual sales of nearly $3 billion, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states.
In everything it does, Tzell Travel Group places the highest priority on both its clients and its agents. For the individual traveler, Tzell addresses value, convenience, comfort and safety, with its customized quality traveler services. For the corporation, Tzell offers a broad product line of cost containment, meeting services and comprehensive travel management programs.
Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programs create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.