Liberty Travel
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Travel agency |
| Founded | 1951 |
| Founder | Fred Kassner, Gilbert Haroche |
| Headquarters | Montvale, New Jersey , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Emma Jupp (CEO, as of 2012) |
| Products | Retail travel and cruise packages |
Number of employees | 2200 (2016) |
| Parent | Flight Centre Ltd. |
| Website | www |
Liberty Travel is a retail travel and cruise enterprise headquartered at 5 Paragon Drive in Montvale, New Jersey, USA. As of 2016, the company operated more than 125 locations across 14 states with a workforce of approximately 2,200 employees; presently, it maintains four outlets.
Liberty Travel functions as a sister entity to GOGO Worldwide Vacations, which specializes in wholesaling vacation packages to independent travel agencies.
In 2008, Australia's largest travel corporation, Flight Centre Ltd., acquired both Liberty Travel and GOGO for $135 million. This acquisition broadened Flight Centre's global footprint and strengthened its position within the American travel market.
History
Founded in 1951 by Fred Kassner and Gilbert Haroche—who were classmates at New York University—Liberty Travel started as a two-person startup based in New York City. Their initial focus was on affordable vacation packages to destinations such as the Catskills and Miami, targeting the general public.
Gilbert Haroche is recognized for pioneering the package vacation concept through the company’s early 1950s "deluxe economy package." With the rise of jet air travel, Liberty expanded its destination offerings, which contributed to business growth. Haroche directed the retail division of Liberty Travel, while Kassner managed the wholesale segment known as Gogo Tours, which marketed packages to other agencies.
By 1998, Liberty Travel had grown to operate 200 locations throughout the Northeastern United States and Florida. Serving over one million clients annually, it stood as the largest privately held leisure travel chain in America.
In September 2011, ABC’s Nightline highlighted Liberty Travel for maintaining its relevance amid evolving industry trends. Emma Jupp was named CEO in May 2012. That same year, Liberty unveiled a flagship store spanning 10,000 square feet on Madison Avenue in New York City, with ambitions to open ten additional large-format stores nationwide within five years.
In 2013, Liberty collaborated with USA Today on its annual 10Best travel awards, boosting its brand visibility. February 2018 saw the launch of Liberty Travel’s “Home-Based” Travel Agent Brand, designed to provide consultants with enhanced autonomy over their businesses.