TORONTO — Flight Centre Travel Group has set its sights on expansion in the Prairies with the acquisition of Ixtapa Travel, an independent contractor business that operates two agencies in Saskatoon and Winnipeg.

Based in Saskatoon and formed 30 years ago, Ixtapa will provide Flight Centre with “invaluable expertise and established customer relationships,” says Gavin Miller, VP of Retail Operations for Flight Centre Travel Group. “We are thrilled that Ixtapa Travel will be joining the Flight Centre family.”

Barbara Crowe, who has served as president and owner of Ixtapa Travel for the past 11 years, will remain with the business as president. Under her leadership, the business grew from a one-man operation to a team of more than 40, including two travel agencies and multiple Independent Contractors.

“We’ve had phenomenal growth over the past decade and working with Flight Centre is the next logical step in ensuring the future of our business and for our people,” says Crowe. “Their global presence, strong supplier relationships and investment in technology makes them an ideal fit.”