User:Stephomitchell/sandbox

STA Travel is the world’s largest travel company for the student and youth sector, sending off 2 million passengers globally. The company has an annual turnover of US$1.2 billion as of 2013 and a global distribution network spanning 60 countries worldwide, with over 220 STA Travel branches worldwide located in 11 different countries (ref STA Business Profile 2013). STA Travel Holding Ltd is owned by the family-run Diethelm Keller Group with headquarters in Zurich and London. (ref Diethelm Keller)

History
STA Travel started out as AUS Travel, which was founded in 1976 by two students who had recently returned from a round the world trip. In July 1979 the company was acquired by Swiss-based Diethelm Keller, and STA Travel was born.

The company has grown rapidly over the last few decades. After two years of operation under the STA Travel brand name, the company had opened in key markets across the world, including UK, USA, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand. By 1985 STA Travel had a turnover of US$60 million (ref Business Profile), so the decision was made to expand even further; stores were opened in Germany, Scandinavia, Switzerland, South Africa, Canada and Hong Kong by the end of 1990. It was in a 1990 that the company chose to establish its Asia division in Tokyo, Bangkok and Singapore.

With continual growth, the company turnover reached US$340 million with 120 branches worldwide (ref. Business Profile). In 2004, the turned over reached US$1.2 billion with a network of 450 branches plus a growing online business.

With the growth of the internet, STA Travel launched global websites across all divisions and created social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.

In 2010, the STA Travel Group launched its new travel brand ‘’’Bridge the World’’’. Bridge the World had previous experience as a travel company and became STA’s first venture outside the youth and student market, targeting an older and more affluent demographic (ref breaking travel news story).

In 2011, STA Travel acquired [BUNAC] and all associated work and volunteer abroad programs. All products available from BUNAC are now owned by STA Travel (ref Bunac website).

In 2013, the first ever STA Travel Clinic opened in the UK, offering travel vaccinations, anti-malarials and health advice in Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester Deansgate and Bristol branches (ref. STA Travel website).

Core Products and Services
Student and Youth Airfares
 * STA Travel offers a Student Exclusive Ticket which provides students with competitive airfare pricing and flexibility when booking their travel.

Round the World Flight Experts
 * One of STA Travels most popular products, with a lowest price guarantee. Customers can pick a top route or tailor make their own.

Discount Cards
 * The International Student (ISIC), Teacher (ITIC) and Youth Travel (IYTC) ID Cards provide access to over 35,000 international and domestic discounts. STA is the largest supplier of ISIC cards in the UK. (ref ISIC website)

Adventure Tours
 * Short or long adventure tours are available worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, North America, Asia, South Africa and Latin America.