TRAVELINK News

This week, TRAVELINK is proud to announce that we have been named the recipient of the ASTA Corporate Strategic Impact Award, a prestigious honor presented by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) recognizing organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and positive influence within the travel industry.

TRAVELINK Co-Owner & Managing Partner Bill Haire accepting the Corporate Strategic Impact Award.

The Corporate Strategic Impact Award is focused squarely on results, recognizing organizations whose deliberate actions translated strategy into execution, delivering measurable outcomes in direct support of ASTA’s mission.  TRAVELINK was recognized for its continued commitment to empowering travel advisors through forward-thinking programs, meaningful partnerships, and a business model built on collaboration, education, and sustainable growth.

“This award is an incredible honor and a reflection of the dedication of our entire TRAVELINK team,” said Michael Dixon, President and Managing Partner. “We continue our commitment to supporting our advisors with the tools, relationships, and guidance they need to thrive in the rapidly evolving travel landscape. To be recognized by ASTA is both humbling and energizing.”

ASTA, the world’s largest association of travel professionals, presents the Corporate Strategic Impact Award to organizations that have made a measurable, positive difference through innovation, advocacy, and leadership. TRAVELINK's recognition underscores its role as a trusted partner to advisors and preferred suppliers alike, as well as its continued focus on shaping a stronger, more connected future for travel.

We are honored by this recognition and grateful to ASTA for acknowledging TRAVELINK's impact. We look forward to continuing to lead with purpose in the years ahead.

TRAVELINK, an esteemed member of the Virtuoso^® travel network, is proud to announce its participation in the 2025 Virtuoso Chairman’s Event, recognizing top-performing travel agencies and advisors from around the world.

Held at the Grand Velas Los Cabos located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, this invitation-only gathering celebrates Virtuoso’s most successful partners for their excellence in travel sales, service, and client experience. TRAVELINK's inclusion among this elite group highlights the company’s continued commitment to personalized service and exceptional travel design for our clients.

"Being part of the Virtuoso Chairman’s Event is a tremendous honor,” said Michael Dixon, President and Managing Partner of TRAVELINK. “It reflects the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our advisors to crafting journeys that inspire, connect, and elevate every travel experience.”

As a Virtuoso member agency, TRAVELINK offers clients access to exclusive benefits, VIP amenities, and bespoke travel opportunities across the globe through Virtuoso’s premier network of hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and destination specialists.

For more information about TRAVELINK and our array of travel services, visit www.travelink.com.

The Virtuoso Chairman's Event is an annual recognition trip, designed to reward Virtuoso’s most productive and engaged Member Agencies across several categories. The invitation-only event allows Agency Management from diverse agencies across Virtuoso's global Network, to have a shared experience in a unique destination, network with each other and collaborate on industry issues and opportunities, and discuss best business practices and ways to engage today’s travelers.

At the Virtuoso Chairman’s business meeting, members reflect on performance and emerging trends, while giving members dedicated time to brainstorm, share ideas, and offer feedback. Their insights are invaluable, helping shape future strategy, strengthen connections, and guide the continued growth of Virtuoso's global community. 

During the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Global Convention in August, it was announced that Travelink President and Managing Partner, Michael Dixon, would be joining the Executive Committee of ASTA’s national Board of Directors. This assignment is in addition to his current role as Chair of the ASTA Corporate Advisory Council (CAC). Mr. Dixon will serve a two-year term as Chair, completing his seven-year commitment to helping guide the CAC. 

Formed in the early 2000’s, the CAC is made up of the heads of the largest travel agency/TMC, consortia, franchise organization, host agency and supplier members of ASTA to provide a support system for ASTA’s federal, state, and industry advocacy efforts.

The CAC focuses on issues of common interest to the travel agency community, formulating a strategy to speak with one voice before federal regulators, Members of Congress, state legislators as well as other industry groups.

The Travelink family is proud to have Michael’s voice as a critical part of the efforts to move our agency and the travel industry as a whole into the future.

See the full press release here.

Travelink, American Express Travel, is pleased to announce Vice President and Managing Partner, William Haire, has been awarded the Barbara O’Hara Advocacy Award.

The Barbara O’Hara Advocacy Award is awarded to two ASTA members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in terms of their support for ASTA’s advocacy initiatives, grassroots campaigns, and ASTAPAC fundraising. Recipients are selected by ASTA staff members in consultation with award sponsor Sabre, and the ASTA Government & Political Affairs Committee

Regarding the award, Haire accounts, "The Travel Advisor is key to helping the consumer navigate the myriad of options and suppliers in the travel industry today. We advocate for all agencies and agents on the federal and local level to make sure the consumer is treated fairly without additional indirect taxes being leveled."

Pictured left to right: Samantha Brown, Canadian Travel Blogger; Eben Peck, Senior Vice President, Government & Public Affairs, American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA); Bill Haire, Vice President, Managing Partner, Travelink, American Express Travel; Michael Hanson, Senior Director / Government  & External Affairs, Sabre.

Travelink, American Express Travel is pleased to announce that during the 43rd Annual Airline Industry Achievement Awards, William Haire, Vice President and Managing Partner of Travelink, was appointed to the 2017 American Airlines Travel Agency Advisory Panel. The event was held in New York City where American Airlines was named Airline of the Year for 2017 by Air Transport World (ATW). American Airlines was recognized by ATW’s editorial board because of its leadership and employees’ achievements over the past year in integrating American and US Airways. ATW called the integration, “practically flawless despite it being the largest, most complex airline merger in history.”

Travelink, American Express Travel, is pleased to announce that during the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Global Convention in Reno-Tahoe on September 27, 2016, the ASTA Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) set its Executive Committee leadership roster and Michael Dixon, President of Travelink was elected by his peers to an Executive Leadership position.

This leadership role is a six-year commitment to the Executive Committee with ascension in role and responsibility every two years leading to the role of Chair.  Michael begins his first two years effective immediately in the role of Secretary. With his appointment, Denise Jackson (Balboa Travel) rises to Vice Chair, and Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg (Valerie Wilson Travel) is now Chair, leading the Executive Committee for the CAC for the next two years.

The ASTA CAC is made up of the largest travel agency (corporate and leisure) consortia, franchise, and other members of ASTA with annual travel sales of at least $50 million. The CAC works on issues of common interest to the travel agency community, formulating a strategy to speak with one voice before federal regulators, Members of Congress, state legislators and other travel industry groups.

Travelink, American Express Travel, ranked #50 on the Travel Weekly 2016 Power List, is pleased to
announce that Linda Raymer, President, Vacation Travel and Sandy Schadler, Vice President, Marketing made Travel + Leisure's 15th Annual A-List.

The T+L A-List showcases the best specialists in the business—destination authorities, honeymoon planners, family-reunion whizzes, cruise experts—helping take client trips to the next level. This year the A-List featured 137 individuals, two coming from the Travelink, American Express Travel's Nashville headquarters.

Raymer is featured in the Europe Experts portion of the A-List for her creative approach to must-see destinations and tried-and-true itineraries, like touring London in a Mini Cooper or taking a personalized walking tour through the city's up-and-coming neighborhoods.

As President of the Vacation Division of Travelink, Linda has developed the luxury division of our leisure business, Privileged Journeys, which enjoys continued growth ahead of plan. Linda formerly owned her own agency, WorldClass Travel, which was acquired by Travelink, American Express Travel in 2000. During her time as an agency owner and now in her current role at Travelink, Linda has served on the American Express CTN Advisory board as well as the American Express Vacations Advisory Board and the Departures Luxury Council. 

Sandy Schadler, Vice President, Marketing is featured in the Travel + Leisure Advisory Board portion of the A-List. The Travel + Leisure Advisory Board is a select group of owners and operators of the country's most important travel agencies. They share with T+L editors and advertisers their expert opinions on the latest developments in the travel industry and their read on ever-evolving consumer trends.

Sandy is responsible for executing a digital, social, mobile, CRM, traditional media and regional advertising strategy for Travelink and its sub-brands, Employee Vacation Programs and Privileged Journeys, across a national network of retail and virtual offices. In addition to her advisory board position for Travel + Leisure magazine she is also sits on the advisory board for the German National Tourism Office in the USA.

Travelink, American Express Travel, Tennessee’s only appointed American Express Travel Representative, is pleased to announce Tim Barton, Vice President, Finance has been nominated for Nashville Business Journal’s CFO Awards.

The CFO Awards, presented by Vaco, honor Middle Tennessee’s top financial professionals for outstanding performance in their roles as corporate financial stewards. The public submitted nominations and a panel of independent judges comprised of past CFO Award winners selected a group of based on outstanding performance for their companies based on financial information submitted.

Tim leads the finance, HR, and administrative areas of Travelink. He brings a broad range of progressive senior finance management experience with successful organizations in several industries, including 'big four" public accounting, media & entertainment, publishing, global manufacturing, sports entertainment, and higher education. Tim has worked with familiar iconic brands such as Coca-Cola, Southern Living at Time Inc., Gibson Guitars, and most recently, as the Senior Finance Director for Technicolor, a manufacturer and distributor of DVD/blue-ray discs for 20th Century Fox and other movie studios.

Tim has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting as well as an MBA from Auburn University. He is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and a dynamic leader for Travelink’s finance, HR, and administrative departments.

The CFO Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place October 4, 2016. Finalists will be honored at the awards dinner, and one winner in each category will be revealed live. In addition, the finalists will be highlighted in a special Nashville Business Journal printed publication and on NashvilleBusinessJournal.com. Nashville Business Journal will also honor the Lifetime Achievement Award winner: Anthony Crudele - Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Tractor Supply Co.

Travelink, American Express Travel, ranked #50 on the Travel Weekly 2016 Power List, is pleased to announce that effective immediately, Mike Viars has been promoted to the new role of President, Travelink Global Business Travel, reporting to company President & Managing Partner, Michael S. Dixon.

This new role within Travelink combines the management of Business Travel Services, Employee Vacation Program sales, and Client Management. Mike will also continue to serve as the primary relationship manager for American Express Global Business Travel.

Viars’ Business Travel Division accounts for 80% of the gross sales for the entire Travelink organization and he has been in leadership at Travelink for the past 10 years. Prior to Travelink, Mike spent 15 years in the Aircraft Manufacturing and Hi Temp Metals Processing Industry. He held Director Level positions in Sales, Marketing and OEM Client Contract Management in the United States and Europe.