With the new year comes some exciting news! While some of you may have already heard about our exciting new alliance with NY-based SmartFlyer, here's the official scoop:

Elite Travel International Teams with Smart Flyer in
Bi-Coastal Alliance
2010 brings a new alliance for luxury travel entrepreneurs on opposite coasts

Los Angeles-based Elite Travel International has teamed up with New York-based SmartFlyer to form an east coast/west coast alliance of their luxury travel businesses. Elite Travel International is now operating as the West Coast affiliate of SmartFlyer’s 10-person Manhattan agency (whose Virtuoso membership became official on Jan. 8th, 2010).

The alliance will allow both firms to combine their strengths, from airline contracts and negotiated hotel rates to marketing prowess and high-level contacts worldwide. Together, they will operate as a one-stop shop for high-end business and leisure travelers worldwide.

In addition to worldwide Virtuoso benefits, clients of both firms will enjoy additional perks & amenities granted exclusively to members of Orient Express’ Bellini Club, Ritz-Carlton STARS and Rosewood Elite.

SmartFlyer, in business for 19 years, is run by Michael Holtz (recently referred to by the NY Post as a ‘travel mogul’). Elite Travel International was launched five years ago by Stacy Small, an award-winning travel journalist and the founding editor of Elite Traveler Magazine. The two entrepreneurs have nearly 40 years of combined experience in various aspects of the luxury travel industry and their combined network of high-level travel industry contacts covers the globe.

Both Holtz and Small travel frequently to review and preview the chicest and hottest luxury properties worldwide. Holtz has recently been to Bhutan, India, Peru and China, while Small’s passport has recent stamps from Australia, Peru, Morocco, Bali & Fiji. The two boast a strong presence in the social media world, as well as a following of high-end clients that range from high-tech execs to CEOs, entertainment executives, celebrities and affluent families worldwide.

The two entrepreneurs are frequently quoted in the press as experts on luxury travel trends and share a similar business philosophy of catering to a new generation of luxury travelers -- those who demand service, value and easy accessibility anytime of day by cell phone, text, Twitter, Facebook or BBM.

Small and Holtz can be found on Twitter at @elitetravelgal and @mrsmartflyer , respectively, or reached via email at stacy@elitetravelinternational.com or michael@smartflyer.com.