News Release

Dolphin Vacations will take on business clients after merger
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
By Mary Radigan

The Grand Rapids Press

Dolphin Vacations expects more business travelers, thanks to a merger with Professional Travel, of Cleveland.  

Dolphin Vacations on 28th Street SE mainly focused on vacation travel. But owner Marva Donovan said it was hard to compete against larger companies. The business also was hurt by the loss of commissions from airlines. 

Bob Sturm, owner of Professional Travel, said the merger is an exciting opportunity to get into the Michigan market.  

"Dolphin is well respected in Grand Rapids, with a great staff and a great location," he said.

Founded in 1963, Professional Travel is the largest in Ohio, with close to 200 employees. It ranks as one of the country's top 35 travel-service companies.  

Donovan, 55, said she had corporate customers but did not pursue that business because of the costly systems needed for travel management reports.  

She changed her mind when a new agent, Penney Lipner, joined Dolphin this year and brought a corporate client with $3 million in business.  

"We did not have the capabilities to provide that client with what they expected, so I met with Professional Travel about purchasing some of their services," Donovan said. "But I felt so comfortable with them and it seemed like such a perfect fit, that we decided to merge the two firms."