TBO Tek, a Gurugram, India-based leader in travel distribution, just sealed a $125 million deal to acquire Classic Vacations, a popular U.S.-based luxury travel wholesaler. This move is set to transform high-end travel in North America by broadening TBO Tek’s footprint and turbocharging its tech-driven services. Travelers can look forward to a smoother, more personalized experience as TBO Tek weaves Classic Vacations’ expertise into its cutting-edge platform.
Founded almost 50 years ago, Classic Vacations has built a strong network of over 10,000 travel advisors and suppliers throughout the U.S. catering to high-end, luxury travelers. The company generated $111 million in revenue during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, with an operating EBITDA of $11.2 million. By acquiring Classic Vacations, TBO Tek strengthens its foothold in the North American luxury market, gaining access to an extensive network that promises to increase its reach and diversify its service offerings.
This acquisition enables TBO Tek to capitalize on the growing demand for premium travel experiences, positioning the company as a formidable player in luxury tourism. With Classic Vacations’ established customer base, TBO Tek can now offer North American travelers a broader selection of high-end options, from bespoke tours to private accommodations and exclusive experiences.
One of the major advantages of this acquisition lies in the integration of TBO Tek’s cutting-edge technology with Classic Vacations’ vast network of luxury travel suppliers. TBO Tek is known for its advanced platform that offers streamlined booking processes, sophisticated travel management tools, and a user-friendly interface for travel advisors. By merging this technology with Classic Vacations’ extensive network, the company is set to enhance the planning and booking experience for luxury travelers.
Travel advisors will benefit from improved tools, better access to real-time information, and deeper connections with suppliers, allowing them to provide personalized, efficient services to clients. This move signals a greater emphasis on tech-enabled travel services, empowering advisors to deliver faster and more seamless solutions. Furthermore, travelers will enjoy a more intuitive booking process with access to the latest travel trends, customized itineraries, and exclusive perks that cater to their needs.
Despite the acquisition, TBO Tek has stated that Classic Vacations will continue to operate as an independent entity. This approach allows Classic Vacations to maintain its brand identity, reputation for excellence, and longstanding relationships with customers while benefiting from TBO Tek’s global inventory and technological infrastructure. The brand will retain its focus on providing top-tier service to its luxury clientele, ensuring a consistent level of quality that its loyal customers have come to expect.
For travelers, this means that while Classic Vacations will be integrated with TBO Tek’s system, the personalized touch, exclusive offerings, and exceptional customer service they have grown accustomed to will remain unchanged. The acquisition simply adds more value by tapping into TBO Tek’s global reach and digital tools, enhancing the overall travel experience.
For luxury travelers, this acquisition presents a number of exciting opportunities. With the fusion of Classic Vacations’ well-established network and TBO Tek’s technology-driven solutions, travelers can expect an array of benefits that make luxury travel even more rewarding.
1. Expanded Options and Personalized Services: The integration of TBO Tek’s vast global inventory with Classic Vacations’ premium offerings means that travelers will have access to a broader range of destinations and exclusive services. Whether seeking unique cultural experiences, customized itineraries, or private luxury accommodations, travelers will find even more options at their fingertips.
2. Streamlined Booking Processes: As TBO Tek’s advanced platform is integrated with Classic Vacations, the booking process for travelers will become faster, more efficient, and more personalized. With improved digital tools, travel advisors can curate and book trips with greater accuracy, ensuring clients enjoy a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
3. Enhanced Support for Travel Advisors: Travel advisors will gain access to cutting-edge resources, real-time updates, and tools designed to help them meet the evolving demands of their luxury clientele. This will translate into more effective trip planning and a higher level of service for travelers, making luxury travel a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
4. Access to Exclusive Travel Experiences: Classic Vacations is known for offering exclusive, high-end travel packages, including private yacht charters, luxury villa stays, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. With TBO Tek’s global reach, travelers will have even more exclusive options to choose from, making it easier to indulge in once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
5. Stronger Focus on Personalization: The combination of advanced technology and a premium network of suppliers gives TBO Tek the ability to offer hyper-personalized travel solutions. Whether it’s a custom-designed honeymoon or a tailored adventure, travelers can expect services designed specifically for their individual tastes and preferences.
This acquisition is expected to have a positive ripple effect across the luxury tourism sector. As more travelers seek curated, high-end experiences, the demand for seamless travel services will continue to rise. By merging technology with personalized services, TBO Tek is paving the way for the next generation of luxury tourism, where booking and managing upscale trips is easier than ever.
The deal also opens new doors for smaller suppliers and travel advisors, as they now have access to a global platform that connects them with high-net-worth travelers. As a result, tourism in popular luxury destinations is expected to see a boost, particularly as travelers increasingly seek unique, personalized experiences that go beyond traditional package tours.
In addition to enjoying more personalized luxury travel options, travelers can expect an overall better travel experience with this acquisition. From advanced concierge services and real-time travel support to exclusive access to luxury amenities, this collaboration aims to set new standards in the luxury tourism sector.
Travelers may also see a rise in loyalty programs and exclusive offers as Classic Vacations and TBO Tek join forces to attract premium clients. The integration of technology will provide more effective ways to reward repeat customers and offer tailored packages based on individual travel habits.
TBO Tek’s new partnership with Classic Vacations is certainly a game changer for upscale travel. By combining award-winning tech with Classic’s rich portfolio of high end hotel, villa, and concierge partnerships, the deal supercharges TBO’s North American footprint and smooths every step of the luxe journey. One touch and the entire vacation is ready including custom itineraries, airport arrival script, and that private sunset dinner with no dietary wildcard. More routes, diverse penthouses, and a cohesive 24/7 travel team mean that the same planner who crafted the trip is on the ground, camera-ready, for the twinkling farewell toast.
Wealthy travelers continue to crave fresh, seamless touchpoints from advanced AI that recommends the perfect handful of Michelin tables to a real human who double checks wine label allergies against the sommelier. For TBO and Classic, the intersection of upscale gear and tailored human expertise proves that luxury is no longer a monolith but a portfolio of extraordinary details that innovate for customers, not for the slide deck.
