California Athletics Teams Up With Anthony Travel
BERKELEY, Calif. — Collegiate travel expertise, escalating travel costs, increased customer service and a strong reputation have led the University of California – Berkeley to select Anthony Travel (ATI) as their official athletic travel partner.
Anthony Travel, a nationally recognized leader in university and sports travel management services, handles travel arrangements for major universities, athletic conferences, tournaments bowl games and other championship events. The company will provide daily travel services, including air, hotel, ground transportation and hospitality needs, for all 27 Golden Bear athletic teams.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with Anthony Travel,” said Sandy Barbour, Director of Athletics. “By working with ATI, we believe our coaches, student-athletes and staff will receive the best possible services. As it has done with other top athletic programs, Anthony Travel will provide our staff with effective, cost-saving travel options, allowing Cal athletics to reap immediate benefits and expertise.”
The expertise and benefits include a dedicated travel manager who has not only worked in the sports travel industry but also understands the intricacies and budgetary implications of traveling with a team.
“We try to think of everything before the team travels,” said Debbie Abdelgainy, Travel Manager for Anthony Travel. “Whether it is knowing how to transport a pole vault pole or adjusting a team’s travel schedule over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday, it is our job to think of it in advance. We even watch the weather so we can notify coaches if it will be a problem in upcoming travel plans and make alternate arrangements for them if necessary.”
Additional benefits, including exclusive cost-savings programs with airlines and specialized reporting structures will also assist the Golden Bears control travel expenses and reap monetary savings.
“We have developed very specific tools to help collegiate athletic programs make the most of their travel dollars,” said Anthony Travel President and CEO, John Anthony. “And, through our experience, we know that by working hand-in-hand with the Cal staff we will be able to deliver creative solutions that will maximize their travel budgets.”
That service and dedication has resulted in substantial growth and recognition. ATI was recently named North America’s Travel Agency of the Year by the World Travel awards, and Cal’s selection makes it the third California institution to choose the company this year. Previously both USC and UCLA opted for the ATI’s services. Cal is also the fifth Division-I athletic program to name the travel company their official travel provider in 2007.
“We have a number of exceptional accomplishments in our company’s history, and I rank adding Cal to our client list as one of them,” said Anthony. ““We are very pleased to be working with Sandy Barbour and her staff. Cal has a phenomenal program and they continue to reach new heights each year. It is our privilege to work on their behalf.”
Visit AnthonyTravel.com for University of California – Berkeley travel information.
