STRATFORD, ON — Blowes Travel and Cruise Centres Inc. and G. Stewart Travel Services will be merging to become Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd., effective Sept. 1.

Both based in Ontario and family operated, the two agencies have a combined 115 years of business between them. Blowes Travel and Cruise Centres Inc., owned by Barry (Sam) and Rob Blowes, is located in Stratford, ON and has been in operation for 70 years.

G. Stewart Travel Services Ltd., based in Peterborough, ON, is also family-run by Scott Stewart and Dana Empey, and has been operating for over 45 years.

By collectively uniting their businesses, resources and similar business culture and ethics, the new corporation will see a total of 11 brick and mortar retail offices, 34 home offices, a group tour division, conference and events division and a wholesale division. This amounts to over 90 team members in Ontario under the Carlson Wagonlit Travel brand.

Valued clients will also enjoy enhanced offerings, more efficiencies and streamlined systems as a result of the merger.

“You can continue to expect the high standards of customer service, focus and dedication you have come to expect from us,” said Sam Blowes. “Our incredible team across our Ontario network is here to continue to make dreams happen.”

Both companies will begin the multi-phase integration to become Blowes & Stewart Travel Groups Ltd. within the upcoming weeks. The transition will be seamless for clients and preferred supplier partners.

Added Dana Empey: “Our travel advisors, or ‘dream makers’, are our greatest asset and by combining them, it gives us a strong, efficient team ready for our long-term strategy.”