Travel firms merge

Worldview Travel Bermuda (formerly C Travel) and Meyer-Franklin Travel have struck a merger deal.

It is unclear who will be leading the new company. 

When the Bermuda Sun asked who will be in charge a spokesperson said: “The management of both teams will be working closely together to bring the best travel products and experience to Bermuda.”

The merger will result in the redundancy of one administrative position. All other staff will join forces with the goal of increased growth as the more efficient and better positioned merged entity moves forward. Hiring and training of new agents is a priority for 2014 and beyond.

The spokesperson said the merger will  see the island’s two leading travel agencies join forces to deliver better pricing and service to Bermudians travelling for both business and pleasure. The merger is also intended to drive growth and new employment opportunities in the local travel sector.

Cheryl Hayward-Chew, president and CEO of the Meyer Group, parent company of Meyer-Franklin Travel, said in a press release: “In today’s competitive travel industry there are two things that matter most. 

First and foremost travel volume to drive better price negotiations and secondly savvy travel agents who can leverage their expertise to help clients make smart choices and access value-added extras. This merger gives both companies – and indeed Bermudians — exactly that.”

Meyer-Franklin Travel joins Worldview Travel Bermuda, which is already a part of Worldview Travel family of brands. 

Ricci Zuckerman, president and founder of WorldView Travel, said:  “By combining the volume of the Island’s top agencies, together with the $600 million in travel spend from the larger Worldview family, we are confident we will be able to work more closely with a wide range of travel suppliers to secure rates and services that are second to none. This is good for Bermuda’s travellers and for the growth and employment prospects of the merged entity. ”

Meyer-Franklin Travel will operate going forward under the Worldview Travel brand.  The new entity will reside at 35 Church Streete. The Meyer Group’s other operations, including Meyer Freight, Meyer Shipping and Meyer Tours are unaffected by the merger. 

Gerard Bellino, VP Worldview, added: “This change is a great opportunity for the newly merged company, our clients and future employment prospect on the island. With greater clout and better tools, the future of travel in Bermuda is bright across many fronts.”