BWJ Travel is quietly becoming one of the most influential players in the travel industry, without the flash of a massive ad campaign or a sprawling headquarters. Instead, the company’s rise has been powered by something much stronger: legacy, heart, and a deep understanding of what it means to serve people well.
The family-run host travel agency, founded by brothers Jacob and Edwin Sarkisyan, is helping reshape the traveling industry. With thousands of independent agents across the country, BWJ Travel has grown into a nationally recognized platform that blends cutting-edge tools with a strong sense of community and purpose.
“As a trusted name in the travel industry, we’ve earned our reputation by turning travel dreams into reality through personalized service and unmatched expertise,” said Edwin Sarkisyan.
The firm’s growth comes at a time when the travel industry is bouncing back with renewed strength. According to the U.S. Travel Association, domestic travel spending is projected to exceed $1.2 trillion in 2025. International travel is also recovering steadily, with more Americans prioritizing experience over accumulation.
Travelers are increasingly choosing to invest in meaningful getaways, despite inflation and economic uncertainty.
“Even when times are tough, people still want to explore,” said Jacob Sarkisyan, who oversees business development and consultant relationships. “There’s something timeless about the desire to connect with people and places. And that’s what we’re here to support.”
BWJ Travel Is A Family Story Rooted In Trust and Integrity
The origins of BWJ Travel go back to the early 1990s, when Jacob and Edwin’s father, Vic Sarkisyan, rented a small office space in California and launched SVH Tours & Travel Services. A recent immigrant, Vic worked multiple jobs,waiting tables, parking cars, just to pay the $100 monthly rent.
What he lacked in startup capital, he made up for in commitment. Vic earned his clients’ trust one phone call, one itinerary, one handwritten ticket at a time. His reputation for reliable, relationship-first service spread quickly throughout the community.
Jacob and Edwin grew up inside that office. They answered phones, organized brochures, and watched firsthand as their father built a business not from profit margins, but from people. That experience shaped everything they would later create.
“We were raised on customer service and integrity,” said Edwin Sarkisyan, now Chief of Operations at BWJ Travel. “That’s not something you read in a book. You learn it by living it.”
Turning Legacy Into A Mission: The Birth Of BWJ Travel And A Modern Host Agency Model
After helping expand SVH into a recognized name in the industry, Jacob and Edwin saw an opportunity to do something bigger. They launched BWJ Travel, a modern host agency designed to empower independent travel consultants to run their own businesses,with access to proven tools, expert training, and an authentic community.
“We didn’t want to just replicate our dad’s success,” Jacob said. “We wanted to open the door for other people to find that success too.”
Unlike traditional agencies, BWJ Travel doesn’t hire travel agents. It partners with them.
Every consultant is given access to an extensive Agent Portal, live training sessions, 24/7 support, and high-tier commission opportunities. More importantly, they’re invited into a network of peers who genuinely want each other to thrive.
“This is a people-first model. It’s not just about transactions. It’s about transformation,” Edwin said.
A Pivotal Moment Of Growth Through Adversity
Every business has its defining moments. For BWJ Travel, one of those came when their Agent Portal experienced a 12-hour technical failure. The platform had become the lifeline for consultants to book travel and access resources. The outage brought things to a halt, and revealed where the infrastructure wasn’t strong enough.
“It was a tough day,” Edwin said. “But it was also the day we realized we needed to build a better system for the future.”
Instead of applying a temporary fix, the company expanded its development team, overhauled its backend systems, and rebuilt the platform with long-term reliability in mind.
“Our agents noticed the difference. And more importantly, they saw that we listened and responded,” Jacob added.
How BWJ Identifies Talent Through Action, Not Resumes
At BWJ Travel, leadership is not handed out based on credentials. It’s earned through service. The company prides itself on identifying and uplifting people who are driven, adaptable, and deeply passionate about helping others.
One standout example is Curt Chandler, who started out as a BWJ agent. His dedication to supporting fellow consultants quickly caught the attention of the leadership team. Today, Curt serves as the company’s Lead Booking Advisor.
“He didn’t wait for a title. He just showed up for people,” Jacob said. “That’s the kind of leadership we want.”
The approach reflects a larger philosophy: give people the opportunity to shine, and many will rise far beyond expectations.
Strategic Partnerships And Personal Connections: Expedia Taap And The Value Of Relationship-Built Networks
Among BWJ’s most valuable relationships is its long-standing partnership with Expedia TAAP.
Through a close working relationship with account manager Gabriela Robles, BWJ agents gain access to exclusive incentives, Platinum-tier commissions, and personalized platform training.
“Gabriela is not just a partner. She’s part of the team,” Jacob said. “She shows up on our calls, answers agent questions directly, and makes sure our people succeed.”
These relationships are more than just corporate affiliations.
They’re examples of BWJ’s belief that access and transparency create better outcomes,for agents, clients, and supplier partners alike.
Marketing That Goes Beyond Viral Trends: Why Seo, Service, And Referrals Drive Sustained Growth
While some agencies chase short-term visibility on social media, BWJ takes a long view. The company equips agents with SEO-driven tools like the Travel Leaders Agent Profiler, ensuring they show up when prospective clients search for experts online.
“Organic visibility leads to lasting client relationships,” Edwin explained. “It’s not just about the first click. It’s about building trust over time.”
Social media still plays a role, particularly for agents who are comfortable creating engaging content. But BWJ emphasizes word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business as the gold standard.
“When someone has a great experience, they don’t just come back. They tell everyone they know,” Jacob said.
Lessons From The Pandemic
When COVID-19 brought the global travel industry to a standstill, BWJ made a defining decision. While some suppliers withheld refunds, the company chose to absorb the cost of canceled trips themselves.
“We had to make a call: protect the bottom line, or protect our clients. We chose our clients,” Edwin said.
It was a costly move, but one that strengthened the foundation of trust BWJ had been building for years.
“That moment showed our agents and our clients who we really are,” Jacob added. “And it brought us closer together.”
Scaling With Purpose While Staying Grounded In What Matters Most
BWJ Travel’s future is bold. The company aims to grow its network from several thousand consultants to tens of thousands, helping hundreds of thousands of clients plan unforgettable journeys along the way.
But for the Sarkisyan brothers, growth only matters if it reflects their original values, honesty, integrity, and human connection.
“This is more than a business to us,” Jacob said. “It’s the legacy of our father, the dream of every consultant we partner with, and the promise we make to every traveler who trusts us with their memories.”
From a $100 office rental to a national movement, BWJ Travel is proving that in an age of automation, it is still people who make the difference.
