About us

After 32 years as an executive in the travel industry, Alexandre founded ALTOUR in 1991 with just one employee and a dream – to build a “family,” and to provide them with unparalleled resources, so they could succeed like never before.  ALTOUR has expanded to over 43 offices, with over 1,600 travel professionals and a global network second to none. Chemla continues to guide ALTOUR by his founding principle: “We have no rules and no boundaries. We all think like entrepreneurs, which means we put the needs of our clients above all else.”

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An industry veteran of over 40 years, Noskeau was lured to ALTOUR in 1997 by Chemla’s “No Bureaucracy” approach to management. “Empowering people to make decisions gives us the flexibility to customize everything we do,” says Noskeau, who previously owned agencies in Texas and California. “Finding the best people and taking advantage of their unique experience enables us to provide exemplary service.” Noskeau also cites ALTOUR’s commitment to technology as a huge benefit to clients. “With the exceptional skills of our programmers, we can create technology that is specific to our clients needs.”

A veteran of over 25 years in the industry, Joseph has had extensive global travel management experience with American Express, Rosenbluth International and Thomas Cook. His background includes time spent with several travel agencies, learning operations from the ground up. His past helps him understand the need to deliver service that meets the exacting standards of ALTOUR’s diverse clientele. With the company since 2005, Oppold found in ALTOUR, “…a dynamic organization focused on helping people delivering excellent customer service.” He considers ALTOUR’s lack of bureaucracy to be the reason the agency can adapt with the changing client needs. “Travel is different for everyone. That’s why travel management can not be ‘one size fits all.”

From Lee’s extensive background in accounting and financial analysis, his 19 years in the travel industry eventually led him to run The Travel Authority, which was acquired by ALTOUR in 2009. “I look at travel management from a financial perspective,” Thomas says, “to ensure that our clients are maximizing their travel spend.” As the former CAC Chair for ASTA, Thomas knows there are other agencies that can reduce the cost of travel for their clients, but usually at the expense of customer service. “At ALTOUR, we put our resources into cost savings, while improving the traveler experience with personalized service.” Thomas believes the unique culture at ALTOUR is the difference. “Our people are the reason we can tailor our approach to each client. The only way to provide exceptional service is with exceptional people.”

With over 40 years of experience in the meeting and incentive industry, Mary Sue has the experience and expertise to make successful partnerships happen.

“I have clients who have partnered with me for over 35 years and I credit our long-term, successful relationships on the talented employees we have working at ALTOUR and their unwavering focus on being a true extension of the client’s team,”  said Mary Sue.  

In 1996 she founded Advantage Performance Network and served as its CEO and President for more than 14 years until she merged her company with ALTOUR in 2010.   Today, Mary Sue is President of ALTOUR Meetings & Incentives and provides strategic leadership for what is one of the meeting industries largest and most influential meeting planning and incentive management companies.

For eleven years in a row, ALTOUR Meetings & Incentives  has been one of Corporate Meetings & Incentives Magazine’s top 25 meetings and incentives companies.

A veteran of the aviation charter industry for over 25 years, Dyer partnered with Chemla to form ALTOUR AIR in 2005. Her previous experience, which included owning her own air charter service company, strengthened her commitment to exceeding her client’s expectations. “We specialize in VVIP charter services – but also work with groups, tours, productions and sports teams,” she states. “Each requires a different focus – but it still comes down to determining what the client wants and finding the best way to get it for them.

Maria's career in the travel industry spans over 25 years including corporate, entertainment, media and fashion. Maria also worked as Director of Training and Development supporting numerous start-up companies before joining Top Flight Travel as a Company Director in 1998. Top Flight Travel grew to become a well- respected TMC in the UK and was subsequently acquired by ALTOUR in 2016. Maria was appointed Managing Director, ALTOUR UK.  Maria has strong experience in high- end customer delivery and service.

Maria sits on the BTA Executive Board and chairs the BTA’s Accommodation Strategy Group. 

In her spare time Maria enjoys challenges such as competing in the London Triathlon, the River Dart 10k swim, and trekking to Machu Picchu. Maria is also an active supporter and member of the Women's Supporting Women Group of the Princes Trust.