#USA #San Francisco #Classic Vacations #Najafi Companies #TBO

TBO's Acquisition of Classic Vacations: A Major Move in Luxury Travel

TBO, a prominent player in the travel distribution industry founded in 2006, has made headlines with its recent agreement to acquire Classic Vacations, the largest luxury travel wholesaler in the US, for an estimated $125 million. This acquisition, announced on September 3, 2025, is not merely a business transaction; it’s a pivotal step towards enhancing TBO's global presence, particularly in North America.

Strategic Importance of the Acquisition

The acquisition positions TBO to leverage Classic Vacations' extensive network of elite travel advisors and luxury travel suppliers. Classic Vacations, with its strong reputation nurtured over nearly five decades, generated a revenue of $111 million and an operating EBITDA of $11.2 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. By combining TBO’s cutting-edge technology platform with Classic Vacations' vast inventory, TBO is set to significantly upscale its service offerings in the high-end travel market.

TBO's co-founder and managing director, Gaurav Bhatnagar, expressed enthusiasm about integrating Classic Vacations into the TBO family. He noted that Classic Vacations has built trust with over 10,000 travel advisors and their clients in the United States, making them an ideal partner as the travel industry rapidly evolves.

Enhancing Service Quality for Luxury Travel Advisors

Classic Vacations will remain an independent brand under the TBO umbrella, while benefiting from TBO’s technological advancements and distribution capabilities. CEO Melissa Krueger highlighted the advantages of gaining access to TBO's premier technology platform — a resource that was previously unavailable in the wholesale sector. This integration will empower travel advisors with enhanced tools, resources, and exclusive contacts designed to optimize their service delivery.

The acquisition aligns seamlessly with TBO's strategic investment approach aimed at accelerating both organic and inorganic growth opportunities. Ankush Nijhawan, also a co-founder and managing director at TBO, hinted at the possibility of pursuing similar beneficial partnerships in the future.

Looking to the Future: A Luxury Travel Powerhouse

As global demand for luxury travel is expected to surge over the next decade, this acquisition solidifies TBO and Classic Vacations' joint position as leading influencers in the market. Combining their strengths will not only enhance their capacity to fulfill the evolving expectations of luxury travelers but will also ensure sustained value for clients, suppliers, and employees.

The acquisition also symbolizes a natural progression for Classic Vacations, which was previously acquired by The Najafi Companies in 2021 from Expedia Group. Jahm Najafi, the founder of The Najafi Companies, expressed satisfaction with the deal, acknowledging Classic Vacations' solid track record in creating value for partners and travelers, and its readiness to adapt to the future landscape of luxury travel.

Conclusion

For TBO, acquiring Classic Vacations isn't just about expansion; it's about setting a new standard in luxury travel. With this strategic move, TBO aims to harness the combined strengths of both entities to navigate the increasing complexities of luxury travel requirements. Classic Vacations’ integration aims to echo the demands of a diverse clientele, positioning TBO as a significant player on the global stage of luxury travel.

About TBO

Based in Gurugram, India, TBO has established itself as a leading global travel distribution platform, connecting over 159,000 travel buyers with 1 million suppliers across more than 100 countries. TBO is primarily focused on simplifying the complexities of international travel thanks to its advanced technological framework.

About Classic Vacations

Classic Vacations stands out as a premier B2B2C luxury travel company renowned for its strong ties to high-value travel advisors and key consortiums in the United States. The company specializes in delivering top-tier service across multiple travel segments including hotels, aviation, and bespoke travel experiences.

About The Najafi Companies

The Najafi Companies is a private investment firm based in Phoenix, with additional offices in New York and Paris. Founded in 2002, it invests across various sectors including consumer brands, e-commerce, media, travel, and sports.