Direct Travel has launched Altitude by Direct Travel – a luxury hosted advisor network within its Leisure Travel vertical – as independent luxury advisors continue to reshape the leisure travel landscape.
Designed to support independent advisors specializing in premium and luxury travel, Altitude formalizes and elevates one of the company’s fastest-growing segments.
Within its Leisure Travel organization, Direct Travel has built one of North America’s most established hosted advisor networks, now operating under the Altitude brand.
With Altitude by Direct Travel, the company is ensuring that both advisors and industry partners recognize the breadth and strength of its leisure business.
Gerard Bellino, President of Leisure Travel at Direct Travel, explained that: “Altitude represents more than a new brand, it formalizes our commitment to the luxury advisor community.”
And Bellino continued: “We’ve long been known for operational excellence, supplier strength, and high-touch support. Altitude gives that foundation a distinct identity designed specifically for today’s premium travel entrepreneur.”
Backed by Direct Travel’s scale and reputation, Altitude advisors enjoy access to elite programs with the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, exclusive cruise benefits, and a top-tier membership in Virtuoso®, the world’s premier luxury travel network.
Cruise remains one of the division’s strongest verticals, complemented by robust partnerships across air contracts, luxury hotel programs and bespoke travel services.
Technology is also at the forefront of the launch.
Stephen Smith, Executive Vice President of Leisure Travel at Direct Travel, said that: “Independent advisors are entrepreneurs. Our investment in technology ensures they can streamline client management, access booking tools seamlessly, and leverage data-driven insights to grow their business. We’re building out a platform where advisors can focus on what matters most — the client experience.”
The launch of Altitude by Direct Travel also follows the recent appointment of a dedicated management team focused exclusively on independent travel advisors.
Joelle Goldman, Vice President of Host Services and Luxury Hotel Program at Direct Travel, observed that: “Our advisors are the heart of Altitude. With a specialized management team in place, we are committed to delivering tailored support, curated marketing programs, and meaningful community connections that help advisors thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”
Altitude by Direct Travel is the luxury hosted advisor network within Direct Travel’s global Leisure Travel organization. With nearly 900 independent travel advisors across North America, Altitude supports experienced luxury travel entrepreneurs with dedicated operational resources, advanced technology tools, and access to longstanding supplier partnerships.
For more, go to www.altitudetrvl.com or www.dt.com .
