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First in Service Travel Expands to the U.K.

By Newsdesk Dec 5, 2023 11:15am

First in Service Travel (F1S) has announced the opening of its first office in the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in the New York-based travel agency's global expansion. Opening in February 2024, the U.K. office, located in London’s Covent Garden, will be led by industry veteran Barry Whittaker, who assumes the role of managing director.

While F1S has not disclosed specific details about the number of advisors currently signed, it has reported “considerable interest in its brand and organization within the U.K.”

Barry Whittaker will spearhead the U.K. operations, leveraging his wealth of experience to provide service to clients and support to independent travel advisors. Whittaker said, “First in Service looks forward to engaging independent travel specialists with a client following within corporate travel management within the SME market; entertainment, including touring bands and talent; film and television production; fashion; technology specialists; media; meetings and events (MICE); and luxury leisure travel."

F1S was founded in 1991 by siblings Fernando Gonzalez and Erika Reategui. Prior to its entry into the U.K., the company built a team with offices in six cities on three continents: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Madrid, Bogota and Toronto. It has dedicated corporate, luxury leisure, entertainment and events divisions and is a member of Virtuoso.

In addition to the U.K. expansion, the F1S team in Spain managed by Felipe Ferrer will report directly to Whittaker.

Fernando Gonzalez, CEO of F1S, said: “Our expansion into London and accelerated growth in Madrid underscores our commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences across Europe. With Felipe Ferrer at the helm in Madrid, we are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional service to clients in the region.”

First in Service Travel Expands to the U.K.

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