St. Louis-based Gwin’s Travel rebrands to Acendas Travel
Mission, Kan. – The award-winning services remain the same, but the name Gwin’s Travel has changed.
After 41 years operating as Gwin’s Travel, today it takes the name of Acendas Travel. A full service travel agency headquartered in Kansas City since 1982, Acendas Travel acquired Gwin’s Travel in December 2018. In addition to Kansas City and now St. Louis, Acendas Travel has locations in Minneapolis and Sioux Falls, S.D.
The former Gwin’s Travel staff of Maisoon Barghouty, vacation sales manager; and Colleen Campanella, Robyn Maze and Thea Bailey (all vacation advisors) remain on board to direct St. Louis operations.
“The move truly reflects that Acendas Travel is one entity of shared expertise, purchasing power and established industry relationships” Acendas President Brent Blake said. “Over the past two years we have integrated into Gwin’s operations new technologies and processes that strengthen their operations and benefit the customer. The St. Louis market will continue to receive expert travel advice, with a better experience beginning from the moment they contact us until after they return home.”
These enhancements have already had a positive impact as the agency was recognized by the Ladue News as a runner up for its Platinum Award in the Travel Agency category. Travel advisor Colleen Campanella was selected this past December by Travel Advisor Magazine as a 2019 Trendsetter for her expertise and creativity in advising travelers.
“The staff is excited to be operating under the Acendas Travel brand,” Vacation Sales Manager Maisoon Barghouty said. “We are a better agency today because of the resources and processes of Acendas Travel. But as much as we are excited, we are even more enthused for our clients. They are the ones who will benefit from the excellence of Acendas Travel.”
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Acendas Travel will operate in St. Louis on a virtual basis. Travel advisors are meeting by phone, zoom meeting and by appointment. Advisors may be contacted by calling 314-822-1957 or STLtravel@acendas.com. The Acendas Travel vacation website is acendasvacations.com.
Acendas Travel was founded in Kansas City in 1982. In 2001, Acendas Travel became a joint venture with BCD Travel, the third largest purchaser of corporate travel in the United States. This allows Acendas and its clients access to leading technology, travel discounts and a variety of resources.
About Acendas Travel
Acendas is an award-winning, nationally-rated top 50 travel management company with 35 years experience delivering industry-leading corporate travel solutions, full-service meeting/incentive support and customized vacation/leisure travel planning. Its success has been built on a foundation of unmatched expertise, outstanding customer service and the latest technological innovation to enhance the travel experience. Based in Kansas City and Minneapolis, the Acendas team offers a network of dedicated professionals throughout the United States to serve every travel need. Visit Acendas at www.acendas.com.