Preferred Travel & Company Commemorates 40 Years in Business
Preferred Travel & Company announces its 40th anniversary of doing business in Naples. The well-respected and prominent travel agency was founded in 1984 by former owner Wilma Boyd and is now owned by Olga Placeres who worked alongside Boyd for over 35 years.
In 2019, Ms. Placeres became President and owner overlooking the day-to-day operations and guiding the agency into the future. Several months after purchasing Preferred Travel in 2019, the pandemic shut down travel and the months that ensued were difficult for everyone in the industry. Despite pandemic challenges, Preferred Travel & Company has shown resilience and agility. Through Placeres’ strategic planning, there were no layoffs at the agency, and she started acquiring smaller agencies, partnered with advisors who were displaced, and emerged stronger, positioning the agency for growth post-COVID.
The following year in 2020, her daughter and Managing Director, Kristina Gear, became a partner, and in 2022, her son-in-law, Kody Gear joined the agency as owner and Managing Partner.
To better reflect a commitment to the future, the agency rebranded last year from Preferred Travel of Naples to Preferred Travel & Company. In a strategic move, the rebranded name aligns with the ever-changing travel landscape and underscores the commitment to adaptability and forward-thinking solutions.
“We are very pleased to mark this significant milestone in our company’s history,” said Olga Placeres, President and Owner of Preferred Travel & Company. “Our 40th anniversary and rebranding initiative reflect our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continuing to serve our clients and delivering exceptional travel experiences for decades to come.”
The agency’s success stems from its dedication to personalized experiences and exceptional service. Preferred Travel & Company offers comprehensive worldwide travel services with 40 years of experience and a dedicated team of over 70 knowledgeable travel advisors. The agency is well-equipped to cater to clients’ domestic and international travel needs.
As global travel rebounds, Preferred Travel & Company continues its mission to provide unforgettable experiences. With a diverse portfolio, including luxury cruises and tours, the agency and team of advisors are well-prepared to meet clients’ varied needs.
Preferred Travel & Company has offices conveniently located at 5801 Pelican Bay Blvd, Suite 205 in Naples, and 3960 Via Del Rey in the Vanderbilt Office Park in Bonita Springs and has expanded with offices in Ft. Lauderdale and an affiliate in Nantucket. For more information, please visit preferrednaples.com or call 239-261-1177.
