world travel services knoxville tn

BCD Travel Acquires World Travel Service as Part of Ongoing Growth Strategy_2015 05 19

BCD Travel acquires World Travel Service Inc. as part of ongoing growth strategy

ATLANTA, May 19, 2015 – BCD Travel today announced it has acquired Knoxville, Tenn.,-based World Travel Service Inc., one of the largest corporate travel agencies in the U.S.

“As a respected travel management company with a strong focus on mid-market corporate customers, World Travel fits our culture and growth goals very well,” said Craig Bailey, BCD Travel’s president of North America. “This acquisition shows our clear intent to continue to aggressively pursue growth opportunities and acquisitions that benefit our clients by strengthening our position as a leader in corporate travel well into the future.”

Incorporated in 1946, the privately owned World Travel is the 13th largest corporate travel agency in the U.S. with more than 100 employees, a diverse portfolio of clients and annual sales of over $330 million. Focusing on corporate travel management as its core business, World Travel also operates a rapid-growing, award-winning meeting and incentive group called Liaisons Meetings & Incentives. The agency has operated as a BCD Affiliate since 2002.

“We’ve established close working relationships with BCD Travel leadership,” said Lamar Shuler, president of World Travel Service. “Together we will continue to thrive, producing value for our customers, shareholders and our staff—who will have greater exposure to how a global company operates and more paths for long-term career growth.”

The World Travel purchase is the latest in a series of investments BCD Travel has made in recent years to grow business, extend its global network and help businesses leverage the latest innovations for their travel programs.

Other significant BCD investments include the purchase of Tbiz from Travelocity, development of substantial proprietary platforms in business intelligence (DecisionSource®) and mobile technology (TripSource®), establishment of a new joint venture in Brazil and the acquisition by BCD M&I of Raleigh, N.C.-based Universal Meeting Management.

World Travel will continue operating under their brand as a business unit of BCD Travel.

About BCD Travel

BCD Travel helps companies travel smart and achieve more. We drive program adoption, cost savings and talent retention through digital experiences that simplify business travel. Our 15,000+ dedicated team members service clients in 170+ countries as we shape a sustainable future for business travel. BCD’s leading meetings and events management and global consultancy services complete our comprehensive suite of solutions for all aspects of corporate travel. In 2023, BCD achieved US$20.3 billion in sales. For more information, visit www.bcdtravel.com .

Forbes names BCD Travel among America’s Best Employers of 2015

April 13, 2015

Ilona De March steps down as president of BCD Travel’s EMEA

June 15, 2015

WATE 6 On Your Side

Two years since Roe v. Wade overturned: Where do TN abortion laws stand?

by: Ella Wales

Posted: Jun 24, 2024 / 04:02 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 24, 2024 / 06:09 PM EDT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — Monday marked two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and East Tennesseans are divided over where abortion laws stand in the state.

Roe v. Wade was a landmark decision that gave people in the U.S. the constitutional right to abortion access. On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court made a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, that returned the power to regulate abortion back to individual states.

Thirty days after the decision, a total abortion ban went into effect in Tennessee, and more legislation regarding abortion has been enacted in the state since.

“Tennessee was ready. So we now protect all of our citizens, born and unborn, so we’re very grateful,” Angel Brewer, with the Knox County chapter of TN Right to Life, said.

Eight months after Tennessee’s total abortion ban took effect, an amendment to the law passed, which created a limited exception for abortion care in the case of miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. TN Right to Life supported this legislation.

“Those are not elective abortions, what the Human Life Protection Act does, is protect all babies from elective abortions and there is an exception to the law to save the life of the mother or if the woman’s bodily functions are going to be harmed irreparably,” Brewer said.

However, the law remains does not allow for any other exceptions. Jules Edwards with the group Abortion Care TN said legislators are not representing the people of the state.

“They have turned down exceptions for things like rape, sexual assault and incest. It’s hard to watch. But at the same time, we don’t want exceptions, we want our rights fully restored,” Edwards said.

The 2-year-mark comes just a few months before Planned Parenthood’s Knoxville clinic is set to reopen , after being destroyed in an arson on the last day of 2021. Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi CEO Ashley Coffield said

“This is impacting our state in all sorts of ways,” Coffield said. “Medical residents avoid training in abortion ban states. For an individual facing an abortion ban, it lowers the likelihood she will graduate from high school or college, lowers her lifetime earnings, and ultimately leads to poorer outcomes for children.”

The Knox County chapter of TN Right to Life held a rally next to the new building Sunday, celebrating the current state of the law.

“TN Right to Life believes that all babies should be protected, born and unborn and that includes no matter how they were conceived,” Brewer said. “So a baby that was conceived in rape or in incest, is still an innocent child. There is a guilty party in those situations but it is not the child.”

According to a study from the Guttmacher Institute,  more than 10,500 Tennessee women traveled to six other states to get an abortion in 2023. Though Planned Parenthood can’t provide the procedure in Tennessee, they still help women access abortions through their patient navigator.

Recently, Planned Parenthood of TN and North MS funded travel expenses for an East Tennessee woman to receive an abortion.

“She flew to St. Louis, and from there we arranged for an Uber to take her to Carbondale, Illinois where she had an appointment. Planned Parenthood was able to cover the costs of her services. We were also able to cover a food stipend, not just for her but for her support person,” Coffield said.

A new law will take effect on July 1 that will make it illegal for a Tennessee adult to help a minor cross state lines to receive an abortion.

Suggest a Correction

Beat the heat in your tent with a camping air conditioner.

There are some things to know before using a portable air conditioner while camping and exposed to heat.

Fourth of July pool party essentials

The Fourth of July is fast approaching, and if you have access to a pool, there is no better time than now to start planning the ultimate pool party.

Sunscreen for acne-prone skin that won’t cause breakouts

Experts are adamant: Daily application of sunscreen is vital in helping to prevent skin cancer.

Most read on WATE.com

Video: black bear sneaks into anakeesta concession …, 4 tn cities named among 150 best places to live, twra: bear euthanized after anakeesta encounter, woman unable to find physical therapy due to weight, judges call for re-sentencing of julie chrisley, two women, unborn child killed in knox county crash, trap set for bear seen touching woman outside hotel, black bear may be killed after sneaking into anakeesta, new tn crime laws that take effect july 1, 2024, downtown knoxville hotel reopening after fire, trending stories.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

WATE 6 Daily Weather Forecast

July 4th events around east tennessee in 2024, have you seen a wild turkey twra wants to know, find splash pads around knoxville, gas tracker: find the best price in your area, bestreviews.com - top picks to make everyone happy, viral tiktok products on sale for prime day, best prime day home deals 2024, our diy expert weighs in on the best father’s day …, best prime day electronics deals 2024, best prime day kitchen and cookware deals 2024, last-minute father’s day gifts, tested and reviewed.

Make An Appointment

• 7 Locations
• 800-526-1412
• [email protected]
• Search for: Search

WorldTravelService®

Full Service Business & Vacation Travel Agency

Corporate Travel

Need a corporate travel agency we're here for you.

At WorldTravelService®, a corporate travel agency, our dedicated account advisors know each customer personally, speak with them regularly, and keep them updated on the changing landscape of today’s global travel.

Our relationship with our clients and industry partners is our strength.

If you’re looking for a Corporate Travel Agency, we’re here for you!

• International Business Travel

Even if you’re a whiz at domestic travel, international business travel is a whole new ballgame. You have to take into account everything from the voltage in the hotel outlets to the etiquette and manners of an entirely different culture.

Don’t let overseas business trips be stressful—let WorldTravelService® handle your next international business trip.

• Business Solutions

Think your business can’t afford travel management services? When you work with a WorldTravelService® business travel agent, you will likely spend less and get more!

Businesses tend to spend more on business travel than large corporations because small businesses lack a streamlined travel expense system.

At  WorldTravelService® , our corporate travel agents understand the needs of businesses—in fact, many of our affiliates are local businesses! When you choose us to book your business travel, we can help you track and manage your budget so you can maintain a healthy bottom line.

Safety & Risk Management: Travel with Confidence

Working with WorldTravelService® as your corporate business travel management company you can TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE. The ever-changing landscape of today’s travel rules and restrictions means pre travel planning, coordination, and constant follow up throughout your journey is essential. We are here for you to advise and utilize our industry contacts to ensure you TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE, we’ve got your back!

We’re here for you

• Cost Savings

WorldTravelService® helps  business’s control costs and ensure your staff will TRAVEL BETTER! With over 20 years building contacts and relationships around the globe with our airline partners, ground transportation, hoteliers, and other in country specialty services, WorldTravelService® has the connections you need to TRAVEL BETTER! Our corporate travel management tools and industry partnerships empower you to control costs while allowing your employees to travel and make personal connections that strengthen your business. Contact us For a FREE – Business Travel Policy Evaluation, let’s talk about it! We are here to help business’s control costs and ensure your staff will TRAVEL BETTER!

Travel Spend Analytics: Tailoring your corporate travel program

WorldTravelService® has a suite of standard and custom corporate reports to help streamline your travel expense reporting. Our easy online access is ready with the information you need when you need it. All fully customizable to your needs and specific corporate travel policy.

• Concur compatible
• Credit card reconciliation
• Unlimited ticket changes  ( no charge for changes prior to ticket issuance)
• Completion of ticket voids
• Preferred seating option
• Airline Fare and Rule Waivers
• Quality control features to best manage your travel policy
• FareCK – our low fare search engine
• ECK – tracking module for unused electronic tickets
• QualityCK – 150 quality assurance checks
• SeatFinder – module for hard-to find seats
• WebCK- searches over 140 websites for added savings
• Travel-24 emergency support available worldwide 24/7
• reView latest technology in travel management reporting
• International rate desk  ( experienced staff and advanced technology offer solutions for great savings )
• Hotel program that offers discounts 20-65 percent off hotels worldwide

Contact Us For a FREE – Corporate Travel Expense Reporting Review, let’s talk about it! We are here to help business’s streamline travel expense reporting, and ensure your staff will  TRAVEL BETTER !

• Travel Technology

WorldTravelService® Corporate Traveler Tools easy for on-the-go travelers.

• Why Choose Us?
• Safety & Risk Management
• Travel Spend Analytics
• Custom Travel Policy
• Quality Assurance

Traveler Services

• Personal Service
• 24 Hour Emergency Travel Service
• Airport Parking Discount
• View Itinerary
• Baggage Fees
• CDC Public Health Info
• Travel Warnings
• Passport & Visa Services
• Global Entry
• TSA Pre-Check
• TSA Secure Flight Info
• Airport Information

What Are the Best LGBTQ+-Friendly Destinations?

Hybrid and Remote Work Increases Travel  

Portland, Oregon, Is the Capital of Pop-Up Restaurants

Call A Travel Advisor

Your Dedicated Travel Advisors

Terry Tyler  :  202-728-4040 x 1215

Larry Forrer:  301-816-1403

College World Series live updates: Tennessee leads Texas A&M in clash for college baseball title

Sure, the pros have Game 7. But in the context of college baseball, Game 3 has the same impact. Tonight, the Men’s College World Series comes down to one final showdown between top-seeded Tennessee and No. 3 Texas A&M, wrapping up the final event of the 2023-24 NCAA college sports calendar.

Hopefully you’ve been following the action in Omaha thus far, but in case you need a quick catch-up, here’s where we stand: The Aggies took the opener Saturday of this best-of-three championship series, riding a big early lead to a 9-5 victory. The Volunteers evened the series with a 4-1 triumph on Sunday thanks to a pair of late two-run homers and a lot of timely pitches.

Whichever squad prevails tonight will claim the program’s first national title. Regardless of the winner, however, it will be another trophy for the SEC with its fifth different national champion in as many CWS tournaments dating back to 2019.

Texas A&M chases Zander Sechrist

Zander Sechrist was sensational on Monday, but the Aggies were able to get him out of the game thanks to a pair of singles from Jackson Appel and Hayden Schott. Tennessee turned to closer Nate Snead to get out of the jam, and it worked, capped off with a spectacular catch by Blake Burke on a lineout.

Zander Sechrist dealing, strikes out the side

Zander Sechrist has been a star for Tennessee this postseason, and he very well could be the reason why the Volunteers are national champions. He struck out Kaeden Kent, Travis Chestnut and Gavin Grahovac in the fifth inning. He now has six strikeouts on the night and allowed one run on four hits.

He doesn't appear to be slowing down, but head coach Tony Vitello said his team is getting close to going to the bullpen.

Tennessee back in front with pair of runs

The tie game didn't last long after Tennessee responded to Texas A&M's first run with scores of their own in the third inning to retake the lead 3-1.

Leading off, Blake Burke showed off the power with a double to right centerfield to start the bottom of the third inning. He moved to third base after Billy Amick grounded out, and Dylan Dreiling hit a ball to deep center field that gave Burke plenty of time to tag and score. The Volunteers weren't done in the inning with back-to-back hits from Hunter Ensley and Kavares Tears, leading to Texas A&M taking out starter Justin Lamkin for Josh Stewart.

The Volunteers weren't done scoring yet. Dean Curley welcomed Stewart with a single to bring in Ensley. However, Curley got caught trying to extend the single to second base and was tagged out to end the inning.

Bunt leads to Texas A&M score

Small ball leads to a tie game.

Travis Chestnut’s decision to bunt proved to be effective as he eventually went around the bases to score and tie the game at 1-1 in the third inning.

Chestnut’s bunt was placed perfectly in front of home plate, and Tennessee catcher Cal Stark tried to get the runner out at first when it didn’t look like he had a play. It resulted in an erratic throw that let Chestnut get to second, and a few pitches later, he stole third base to put himself in prime scoring position. Gavin Grahovac capitalized with a single to left field to bring Chestnut in for the first run of the game for the Aggies. 

Another mistake from Tennessee led to Texas A&M getting two runners on base, but the Volunteers caught a break with a double play to end the inning.

Pitchers put up scoreless second inning

Tennessee and Texas A&M both got a batter on base in the second inning, but neither side was able to do much with it in a scoreless second frame.

Justin Lamkin gave up the leadoff home run in the bottom of the first and allowed a couple of runners on base afterward, but he appeared more composed in the second inning, allowing only a walk that was aided by a pitch clock violation. On the other side, Zander Sechrist is off to another promising start with two early strikeouts and one hit allowed.

Tennessee stars shine in Omaha

Some of the top people from Knoxville are in attendance to root for Tennessee to win its first baseball national championship. Inside Charles Schwab Field is Volunteers icon Peyton Manning, football coach Josh Heupel and men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes. Also joining them was country music singer Morgan Wallen, a Tennessee native who was a notable baseball player in high school before an injury sent him a different direction.

Christian Moore hits leadoff home run for Tennessee

What a start for Tennessee.

After Zander Sechrist had a 1-2-3 inning, the Volunteers got on the board quickly thanks to Christian Moore. The second baseman got perfect contact on the bat and sent the ball over the wall for a leadoff home run to give the Volunteers the early lead. It was Moore's 34th home run of the year, third-most in Division I.

Texas A&M starter Justin Lamkin allowed two more base runners but worked out of the jam to keep the score 1-0 heading to the second inning.

Tennessee vs. Texas A&M: TV, time, streaming and how to watch

• Date: Monday, June 24
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Cable TV: ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN+ ; YouTube TV; fuboTV

Heat turned up in Omaha

It'll be a hot one inside Charles Schwab Field, where the temperature is 99 degrees at the time of first pitch between Texas A&M and Tennessee, according to AccuWeather . Temperatures are expected to go down as the game goes on, but it'll still be warm with temperatures forecasted to be in the low 90s by 9 p.m. local time. Keep an eye on how the pitchers and hitters handle the heat.

Tennessee starting lineup

• Christian Moore, 2B
• Blake Burke, 1B
• Billy Amick, 3B
• Dylan Dreiling, LF
• Hunter Ensley, CF
• Kavares Tears, RF
• Dean Curley, SS
• Cannon Peebles, DH
• Cal Stark, C

Texas A&M lineup

• Gavin Grahovac, 3B
• Jace LaViolette, RF
• Jackson Appel, C
• Hayden Schott, DH
• Ted Burton, 1B
• Caden Sorrell, LF
• Ali Camarillo, SS
• Kaeden Kent, 2B
• Travis Chestnut, CF

Tennessee starting pitcher

The Volunteers will go with Zander Sechrist on the mound to start Game 3. The left-handed senior from Buford, Georgia is 5-1 with a 3.22 ERA and 17 starts this season.

Sechrist is coming off one of his best performances with Tennessee when he was the starter in the national semifinal matchup with Florida State. He tied a career-high 6.1 innings pitched with just two runs allowed on five hits in a 7-2 win over the Seminoles. He's been on fire in the postseason; in three NCAA Tournament games this year, he has pitched 17.1 innings and has allowed only two earned runs on 15 hits with 12 strikeouts.

Texas A&M starting pitcher

Justin Lamkin will get the start for Texas A&M in the championship game. The sophomore is 3-2 season with a 5.00 ERA and 15 starts in 2024.

Although the ERA seems high, Lamkin has been excellent for the Aggies in Omaha. He pitched in both wins over Florida, including the one to send Texas A&M to the championship series, when he struck out nine Gators and gave up no runs. In eight innings in Omaha, Lamkin has 15 strikeouts and given up four hits.

Tennessee vs. Texas A&M prediction

As we look ahead to tonight’s decisive game, there are positive cases to be made for both Tennessee and Texas A&M to emerge victorious. The Aggies, despite missing out on the opportunity to clinch, came out of game two with its pitching staff in relatively good shape. A&M coach Jim Schlossnagle was able to keep bullpen ace Evan Aschenbeck in reserve after he successfully closed out game one, and one definitely likes the Aggies’ chances if they can get the ball to him with the lead in the late innings. That could be easier said than done, however, as A&M’s big bats have been largely silent outside of the big second inning on Saturday.

This brings us to the case for Tennessee, which has already gotten one solid start out of Xander Sechrist in Omaha, and coach Tony Vitello will be counting on him to deliver another. The more urgent issue for the Volunteers has been their inability to take advantage of a slew of baserunners, stranding a hefty 19 over the first two games.

One has to think, however, that if the Aggies continue to give the Vols’ big hitters chances, they’ll eventually deliver. While the concept of momentum in sports is nebulous and often fleeting, right now it’s on Tennessee’s side. It will likely be close, but we’ll take the healthier Volunteers to claim the crown. -- Eddie Timanus

Texas A&M players to watch

• How the Aggies can get the lead will depend on their hitting.   Jace LaViolette  and Gavin Grahovac topped 20 home runs with Grahovac providing the only run Sunday with a long ball. Kaeden Kent , son of former major leaguer Jeff Kent, is providing the hottest bat. Pressed into action due to a season-ending injury to Braden Montgomery, Kent has hit .450 provided a home run and 7 RBI in Omaha.
• The Aggies will turn to Justin Lampkin to start Game 3 with the sophomore hoping to continue his success after throwing scoreless eight innings across two outings against Florida at the CWS. Waiting to pick up the baton is ace reliever Evan Achenbeck , who leads the nation in ERA. He'll be rested after two spotless innings Friday and could be summoned well before that if the Aggies have the early lead.

Tennessee players to watch

• Zander Sechrist gets the ball for the Volunteers in Game 3. The senior lefty is second on the staff with a 3.22 ERA after two clutch starts in the postseason - a win against Evansville in their decisive super regional game and a strong effort against a powerful Florida State lineup that sent Tennessee to the championship series. Nate Sneed notched his sixth save in Sunday's win and could be called on again.
• Where the Tennessee offense gets its offense from is anybody's guess. With a lineup that boasts five players that reached 20 home runs, there's danger everywhere. Christian Moore and Blake Burke , the two leading hitters, are the tablesetters at the top of the lineup. Dylan Dreiling hit a key home run Sunday and is second on the team in RBI with 72, one behind Moore.

Tennessee vs. Texas A&M betting: Odds, spread for College World Series

The Volunteers are favored take home the title, according to the  BetMGM college baseball odds . Looking to wager? Check out the  best mobile sports betting apps  offering  2024 sports betting promos .

Odds listed as of Monday.

• Spread:  Tennessee (-1.5)
• Moneyline:  Tennessee (-250); Texas A&M (+185)

College World Series bracket: Remaining schedule

College World Series championship series rundown

• Game 1:  Texas A&M 9, Tennessee 5
• Game 2:  Tennessee 4, Texas A&M 1
• Game 3:  Monday, June 24, 7 p.m. ET

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting

THE BEST WAY TO BOOK TRAVEL

Planning and booking a business trip shouldn’t take forever. Our simple yet powerful tools let travelers book a trip in minutes, even seconds. Really? Yes, really. Booking an in-policy hotel room via our  TripSource platform takes less than two minutes. Do your travelers and your company a favor, and transform time spent booking trips into time spent getting work done.

ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

Companies have different strategies and different goals. That’s why one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to business travel. And it’s the reason we support more online booking tool solutions than other travel management company. Which tool is best for you? Our business solutions experts can help you assess your travel program needs, explore booking tool options and find you the perfect fit.

Even while your travelers are on the road, we help make the best of their trip by keeping them informed and productive with our travel app for iPhone and Android.

• Trips automatically sync after booking
• Direct access to current and past trip details
• Real-time flight notifications and check-in reminders
• Risk alerts and emergency response (“I’m safe” feature)
• Share trips with colleagues, family, and friends
• Add trip items
• Cancel your trip elements
• Maps and directions
• Add receipts
• Account settings and preferences

EMPOWERING CORPORATE TRAVEL ONLINE TOOLS

Are your travelers self-bookers? Or do they want an assist? Whatever the preference, we’ll help you incorporate tools and processes that fit your company’s cultural DNA. The best tool is one that empowers your travelers to make the right (in-policy) choices—whether online, offline, mobile or desktop.

Cookie Management

Privacy overview.