Avoya Travel Founding Family Celebrates 50th Anniversary in Travel Business

MIAMI, FL--(Marketwired - Jan 15, 2014) - Avoya Travel®, an American Express Travel Representative and one of the world's leading travel companies, today announced it is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the company's founders, the Anderson family, first entering into the travel business.

Avoya's founders, Pal and Pat Anderson, began the family's career in the travel business when they purchased a Hawaiian tour company in 1964. When they moved to the mainland with their children, Brad and Van, they opened brick and mortar travel agencies throughout San Diego County and grew a successful business over several decades. By seizing opportunities for change throughout the last decade, the family has evolved their business model into Avoya Travel. Now, three generations of Andersons work in the family business and are helping travelers and travel entrepreneurs to be more successful than ever before.

"Our company has expanded significantly over the years and our family's and company's core values of integrity and professionalism remain steadfast," said Brad Anderson, Co-President of Avoya Travel. "We are proud of the heritage our parents created 50 years ago and we are confident that the next 50 years will be even better for Avoya Travel and our network of Independent Agencies."

With the Andersons and nearly 150 Avoya leadership and support team members working in partnership with the Avoya network of Independent Agencies and preferred supplier partners, Avoya's award-winning business model has forever changed how travelers buy cruises and vacations, and the way travel professionals connect with customers.

"We have leveraged the opportunities each decade has presented to create the business model we have today and are committed to innovation for the future," said Van Anderson, Co-President of Avoya Travel. "We are continuing our parents' dream and love for the travel business by growing Avoya Travel and creating opportunities for others."

Avoya is hosting a celebratory gala to commemorate the career of Pal and Pat Anderson and their family on January 15, in Carlsbad, California. Event attendees include travel industry leaders, senior executives from Avoya's supplier partners, and Avoya's top producing Independent Agencies. The day will include an open house at Avoya's support office, workshop sessions led by Avoya, Google, and Operation America Cares, and a formal cocktail party and dinner celebrating the Anderson family.

About Avoya Travel:
Avoya Travel® has a long-standing reputation for being one of the world's largest and most innovated travel companies. As an American Express Travel Representative for more than 25 years, Avoya is deeply committed to Integrity and Professionalism™, service, and value in every aspect of planning cruises and vacations. With an elite network of independently owned and operated travel agencies, Avoya provides exclusive discounts, amenities, and first-class customer service to travelers worldwide. For this, Avoya has received numerous accolades, including being named 'Travel Agency of the Year', by Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, American Express, Oceania Cruises, and more.

Travel agency owners and experienced professionals interested in growing their businesses should contact Avoya Travel at 800-521-2597 or visit www.JoinAvoya.com. Travelers interested in booking their next vacation with Avoya Travel, should call 800-753-1463 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com.