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Every remarkable journey is shaped by thoughtful collaboration and careful planning. Behind each seamless itinerary is a trusted network of advisors and partners working with precision, care, and a shared commitment to the client experience. For EmpireCLS, these relationships are central to how we serve travelers around the world.
EmpireCLS is proud to share that we have been named GTC’s Specialty Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year. Presented at the ARRIVE 2026 Awards Gala in Austin, Texas, this recognition is especially meaningful because it was selected by Global Travel Collection’s extraordinary advisor community.
ARRIVE 2026 Awards Gala (left to right): Vanessa McGovern, GTC Senior Vice President, Partner Product, Marketing & Events; Gary Stevens, EmpireCLS Vice President of Sales; Angie Licea, GTC President.
To be recognized by GTC two years in a row reflects the meaningful relationships we have built over the years with advisors who define excellence in luxury travel. Their trust in our team is something we value deeply, and it continues to inspire the standard of service we bring to every journey.
Adding to this moment, EmpireCLS is also honored to be named a finalist for Best Specialty or Insurance Partner at the 2026 Virtuoso Global Awards, taking place during Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas this August. This marks our second consecutive year as a finalist in the category, an honor that reflects the enduring trust and confidence of the Virtuoso advisor community.
“These incredible recognitions from GTC and Virtuoso reflect the extraordinary partnerships we’re privileged to share with the travel advisor community. We’re grateful for the confidence advisors place in us, and it inspires us to keep raising the bar every day” – Gary Stevens
As the travel industry continues to evolve, EmpireCLS remains committed to delivering the reliability, discretion, and elevated service that define every journey, and that travel advisors and their clients have come to expect.
FIFA World Cup 2026 brought extraordinary energy, movement, and complexity to North America, placing chauffeured transportation planning at the center of one of the world’s most demanding sporting events. For EmpireCLS, supporting an event of this scale meant preparing early, coordinating across markets, and staying ready for conditions that could change by the hour.
Tara Roche, EmpireCLS’ Senior Vice President of Sales, reflects on what it took to plan for the tournament, support passengers across a dynamic event environment, and uphold the care, communication, and consistency clients expect from EmpireCLS.
When did planning begin for EmpireCLS’ FIFA World Cup operations, and what were the first priorities you needed to address as the tournament prepared to come to North America?
Planning began more than two years in advance, giving our team the ability to thoughtfully prepare for the scale, complexity, and global reach of the World Cup. Early priorities focused on the fundamentals that define success at this level: understanding host-city regulations, mapping the full passenger journey from airport to hotel to venue, developing layered contingency plans, and aligning a consistent service model across multiple countries and markets.
What makes preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026 different from planning transportation for a one-city event like the Super Bowl?
FIFA World Cup 2026 operates on an entirely different scale. While the Super Bowl is contained within a single metropolitan area, the World Cup spans 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 48 teams and 104 matches. Delivering a seamless experience across this footprint requires a highly coordinated transportation network capable of performing consistently across diverse regions, jurisdictions, and operating environments.
With matches, events, airport arrivals, hotel transfers, and post-match departures all happening across a compressed timeline, where do you see the greatest logistical complexity?
The greatest complexity lies in the transitions. Airport arrivals, hotel check-ins, stadium departures, and post-match movements all converge within tightly managed windows. Success depends on precise timing, proactive coordination, and real-time adaptability to ensure each movement remains seamless, even when delays or changes occur.
What details matter most to passengers during major global events such as this?
During events of this magnitude, passengers expect a highly controlled, elevated experience defined by certainty and discretion. This includes late-model luxury vehicles, precisely coordinated pickup points, and clear, proactive communication as conditions evolve. Equally critical are the elements that underpin true premium service: strict confidentiality, heightened security protocols, deep local expertise, and an uncompromising commitment to passenger safety at every stage of the journey.
How do you uphold the EmpireCLS signature passenger experience amid congestion, access restrictions, and unpredictable city conditions?
Maintaining the EmpireCLS standard in these environments requires anticipating access restrictions, maintaining real-time communication, and building flexibility into dispatch and staging. Local knowledge becomes an essential part of the service, as traffic patterns, security perimeters, and routing changes are not exceptions—they are the operating environment.
What has left the strongest impression on you personally?
What stands out most is the level of coordination required to create an experience that feels effortless to the passenger. At this scale, a flawless journey is the result of detailed planning, constant adjustment, and a unified team effort. It is something I am incredibly proud to have been part of, alongside a team fully committed to precision and excellence.
From the first planning stages to the final departures, FIFA World Cup 2026 showed how much precision is needed to make complex travel feel seamless. EmpireCLS brings that same planning, team coordination, and service consistency to every event it supports.
In today’s global business landscape, corporate travel is no longer just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about reliability, discretion, safety, and the kind of comfort that allows leaders to stay focused, composed, and in control—no matter where business takes them. At EmpireCLS, we view corporate travel as an extension of your business operations. Every ride is a reflection of your standards, your values, and your expectations—and we take that responsibility seriously.
Time is the most valuable asset for executives and corporate teams. Our chauffeured services are designed around absolute punctuality, proactive planning, and real-time coordination. From early-morning airport transfers to multi-stop executive roadshows, every itinerary is managed with meticulous attention to detail. Our professional chauffeurs are trained to anticipate needs before they arise, adapt seamlessly to schedule changes, and deliver a calm, personalised travel experience—allowing passengers to prepare for meetings, take calls, or simply decompress between engagements.
Corporate travel demands adaptability without compromise. Whether transporting a single executive, a board of directors, or an entire delegation, EmpireCLS offers a diverse, meticulously maintained fleet of late-model luxury sedans, SUVs, and group transportation vehicles – featuring the newest addition to our electric portfolio, the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ. Each vehicle is selected not simply for its presence, but for exceptional comfort, privacy, and unparalleled performance, ensuring every journey feels elevated.
EmpireCLS invests heavily in chauffeur training, advanced vehicle technology, and rigorous safety protocols to ensure every journey meets the highest standards of care. From defensive driving practices to continuous monitoring and compliance, our approach to safety provides corporate travelers with something invaluable: confidence.
Corporate travel often spans multiple cities, time zones, and teams. EmpireCLS delivers consistent experience across 1000+ cities across 6 continents, ensuring that executives receive the same level of service, professionalism, and comfort—wherever business takes them.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great experience overall. Turner communicated clearly ahead of time, was easy to find at pickup, and drove safely and smoothly throughout the trip. Professional, friendly, and made the whole experience stress free. – Michael W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Boris was great. He patiently waited and helped me find my luggage that were not on my flight but had been sent on an earlier flight. We had to track down where my luggage had been stored. Smooth ride once we finally got on the road, not a jerky ride. Then carried my luggage up the front stairs. Thumbs up! – William H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It could not have been better!! Solomon is a brilliant driver and an exceptional human being. He navigated Los Angeles in bad weather and bad traffic with expertise, ease, grace, humor, and intelligence. A+++ – Grace A
When corporate travel is handled with precision and care, it becomes an asset rather than a stressor. EmpireCLS is proud to support executives, corporate teams, and organizations with chauffeured solutions that elevate every journey and reinforce professionalism at every touchpoint. Because in business, how you arrive matters – reserve your next journey.
In 2025, EmpireCLS experienced steady growth, meaningful recognition, and continued refinement. Our focus remained clear across operations, chauffeur training, and client experience: delivering reliable, professional service at the highest standard.
Last year marked the launch of E.T.A., our quarterly newsletter designed to provide timely updates, thoughtful insights, and a behind-the-scenes view of EmpireCLS. Each edition captures the progress happening across our organization – from fleet advancements and operational improvements to continuous refinements in the art of chauffeuring.
Throughout 2025, EmpireCLS supported a full calendar of high-profile global events, delivering premier chauffeured services for major award shows including the Grammy Awards, Golden Globes, Oscars, and SAG Awards. Our experienced Meetings & Events teams also managed complex logistics for major events such as the Super Bowl and Austin’s SXSW, ensuring every VIP arrival was handled with discretion, precision, and care.
In 2025, EmpireCLS was honored with several notable travel industry recognitions, including being named “Specialty Partner of the Year” by Global Travel Collection and awarded “Highest Annual Growth, Specialty Partner” by the Virtuoso network for the second consecutive year. To be recognized by both GTC and Virtuoso with these distinguished honors reflects the meaningful partnerships we’ve built over the years with the travel industry’s most respected professionals.
Last year we relaunched EmpireCLS University, enhancing our chauffeur training program to further emphasize safety, professionalism, and anticipatory service. The updated curriculum blends classroom instruction with real-world evaluation, reinforcing defensive driving, situational awareness, and service standards aligned with 5 diamond luxury hospitality expectations. Ongoing development is reinforced through personalized performance reviews four weeks after graduation, ensuring that every chauffeur continues to grow and deliver the seamless, elevated experience that defines EmpireCLS.
Client feedback remains one of our most important benchmarks. In 2025, EmpireCLS maintained a 98% five-star chauffeur rating, reflecting daily commitment across thousands of journeys worldwide. This consistency is the result of rigorous training, accountability, and a shared understanding that every trip deserves the highest level of care.
As we move forward, EmpireCLS remains focused on strengthening our global reach, investing in our people, and refining every aspect of the client journey. The progress made in 2025 reinforces our long-term vision: to provide dependable, thoughtfully executed chauffeured transportation.
Whether you’re planning executive travel, coordinating large-scale events, or seeking a trusted partner for complex itineraries, EmpireCLS is ready to support your journey. Reserve your next ride.
In the world of luxury ground transportation, few names carry as much weight as David Seelinger. As Chairman and CEO of EmpireCLS, Seelinger has transformed the company into a global leader, trusted by executives, celebrities, and discerning travelers who expect nothing less than excellence.
Seelinger’s journey with EmpireCLS began decades ago, when he saw the opportunity to redefine what chauffeured service could mean. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a regional operation into one of the most respected transportation providers in the world, with a presence in over 1,000 cities. What sets EmpireCLS apart is its unwavering commitment to hospitality: every ride is designed to deliver not only comfort but also the peace of mind that comes with reliability and discretion.
“At the end of the day, our mission is about people, not just vehicles,” Seelinger often says. That ethos drives EmpireCLS’s focus on personalized service, from white-glove chauffeurs trained in etiquette and safety to advanced technology that ensures seamless scheduling and logistics.
Seelinger has also made innovation a cornerstone of his strategy. EmpireCLS was among the first in its industry to embrace sustainable practices, introduce app-based booking, and integrate high-end amenities that elevate the passenger experience. Through it all, he has never lost sight of the human connection that makes luxury service meaningful.
Beyond the business, Seelinger is admired for his philanthropic work and mentorship, encouraging the next generation of leaders to combine ambition with empathy. His leadership style reflects both vision and heart—a balance that has kept EmpireCLS at the forefront of its industry.
For David Seelinger, luxury isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about the journey itself. And with EmpireCLS, that journey is nothing short of exceptional.
What does it mean to redefine luxury travel and make a lasting impact?
For EmpireCLS, it is about growth, sustainability and community. Over the past year, we have expanded into new locations while making significant strides in enhancing the sustainability of our fleet. But progress is not just about expansion—it is about making a difference. From supporting local communities to earning industry accolades, we are committed to shaping the future of travel. This Spring issue marks the launch of E.T.A., our quarterly newsletter, bringing you the latest updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes looks at our journey.
With over 40 years of servicing Hollywood’s most luminous red-carpet events, 2025 was one of our biggest yet. This season we proudly delivered premier chauffeured services for some of the world’s most prestigious award shows, including the Grammy Awards, Golden Globes, the Oscars and SAG Awards. Our high-profile event services didn’t stop there with Super Bowl, Austin’s SXSW and others turning to our expert M&E logistics team, ensuring that VIPs arrived in unmatched comfort and style.
As part of our corporate-owned expansion in 2024, EmpireCLS proudly opened new offices in Las Vegas and Austin. Las Vegas, which includes a fleet of 81 luxury SUVs, strengthens our presence in the entertainment capital. Meanwhile, the Austin location positions us to grow in a rapidly expanding market, further supporting our commitment to delivering exceptional service wherever our clients need us.
In 2023, we revolutionized our fleet by introducing electric vehicles. Today, nearly 100% of the gasoline-powered sedans in our Los Angeles fleet have been upgraded to EVs, underscoring our unwavering commitment to a greener future. We are proud to announce that in just two years, this shift has eliminated 1,440 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Maintaining the largest EV fleet in the chauffeured industry, our lineup currently includes cutting-edge models such as the Cadillac LYRIQ, Lucid Air, and Genesis G80—each offering over 300 miles of luxury travel on a single charge.
Earlier this year amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, EmpireCLS was driven by a profound duty to act. We contributed to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and provided support to over 500 firefighters and first responders with water bottles and meals. Our LA team’s efforts during this crisis highlight the strength of unity in times of need. EmpireCLS remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting the recovery and rebuilding of our city.
At luxury travel network Virtuoso’s U.S. Forum, we proudly accepted the 2025 award for “Highest Annual Growth by a Specialty Partner”, earning the prestigious honor for the second consecutive year. In 2024, we earned recognition as a Forbes Travel Guide Preferred Luxury Chauffeur Provider, the only chauffeured service to receive this honor. We were especially honored with the 2024 Angel Award for our dedicated support of cancer patients through compassionate transportation.
These accomplishments strengthen our commitment to setting the standard for luxury travel while making a lasting impact.
EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services has built a reputation for reliability, the largest late-model fleet, and outstanding customer service in the luxury transportation industry. Over the years, we have expanded into exciting new locations, including glamorous Las Vegas, dynamic Chicago, and the up-and-coming Austin. This strategic growth strengthens our presence in key markets and ensures we maintain consistency and the highest level of service nationwide.
New York, the city that never sleeps, is home to the EmpireCLS headquarters, where our journey began. For decades, we have been the trusted choice for discerning clients seeking dependable and luxurious chauffeured transportation. Our deep understanding of the city’s dynamic landscape ensures seamless journeys, whether navigating the bustling streets of Manhattan or providing timely airport transfers.
On the sunny West Coast, Los Angeles—a city synonymous with luxury and entertainment—has been an integral part of the EmpireCLS legacy since 2001. Embracing LA’s innovative spirit, we have made sustainability a priority by ensuring that all SUVs in our fleet are fully electric. Amidst the city’s energy, glamour, and high-profile events, every journey with EmpireCLS is designed to be as stylish and unforgettable as the city itself.
In both locations, our partnerships with esteemed five-diamond hotels such as the Beverly Hills Hotel, Four Seasons New York, the SLS Hotel, and Hotel Bel-Air have made our services the top choice for celebrities, executives, and discerning travelers.
Chicago, renowned for its iconic skyline, jazz music, and vibrant arts scene, is a cultural and architectural beacon in the Midwest. From the historic architecture of the Loop to the lively streets of Pilsen and world-class museums, Chicago pulses with creativity and character.
Inspired by the city’s potential and demand for premium transportation, we opened our corporate-owned office in 2021 to offer residents and visitors seamless luxury chauffeured services. Whether it’s a smooth ride from O’Hare International Airport, a scenic tour along the Magnificent Mile, or attending a performance at the Chicago Theatre, our professional chauffeurs navigate the city’s diverse neighborhoods and busy streets with expertise, ensuring timely arrivals and departures.
Las Vegas, with its dazzling lights, world-class entertainment, and renowned casinos, epitomizes excitement and luxury. As a destination attracting millions annually for business conventions and leisure, the demand for premium chauffeured transportation is paramount.
Last year, we launched a corporate-owned office, EmpireLV, to enhance the Las Vegas experience with top-tier chauffeured services that match the city’s opulence. Whether attending high-profile events, exploring the Strip, or requiring reliable airport transfers, our fleet of meticulously maintained late-model vehicles, professional employee chauffeurs, and dedicated Meetings & Events Team ensures an unparalleled service experience.
For over 40 years, we have dedicated ourselves to setting the standard in luxury chauffeured transportation, continuously improving our services to deliver unparalleled experiences. Being consistently recognized and awarded for our commitment is both an honor and a testament to the high standards we uphold. Yet, our mission goes beyond just setting the bar in luxury chauffeured travel—it is about using our success to give back to the communities that have supported us, making a positive and lasting impact.
At the 2025 Virtuoso U.S. Forum, held at the Pier Sixty-Six Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we were proud to accept the award for “Highest Annual Growth by a Specialty Partner”—marking our second consecutive year receiving this prestigious award.
We were first honored with this award in 2024 at the Virtuoso U.S. Forum held at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, Florida. That initial recognition marked a significant milestone in our growing alliance with Virtuoso’s esteemed global network.
Serving the Virtuoso network is a privilege, and we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Virtuoso’s agencies and travel advisors, whose collaboration and trust have been instrumental in achieving these milestones.
One of our most distinguished achievements last year was being named the Forbes Travel Guide Preferred Luxury Chauffeured Provider for 2024. As the only chauffeured transportation provider to receive this prestigious recognition, we take immense pride in setting the standard for excellence in our industry.
At the heart of our success is an exceptional team of highly trained employee chauffeurs, who undergo rigorous training modeled after the hospitality standards of five-star hotels. Their dedication ensures that every journey is a seamless luxury experience defined by professionalism, attention to detail, and personalized service.
As we continue to innovate and elevate our offerings, we remain dedicated to exceeding expectations and ensuring that every journey with EmpireCLS is nothing short of extraordinary.
Throughout the years, we have proudly supported numerous charitable initiatives, from contributing to the Corporate Angel Network and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to partnering with organizations such as The Humane Society, ECPAT-USA, Art for Life, and Any Soldier. Whether through financial contributions, in-kind services, or active participation in fundraising efforts, we remain dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our philanthropic efforts has been our partnership with the Corporate Angel Network (CAN), an organization that helps cancer patients access life-saving treatments. Our contribution lies in providing safe and comfortable chauffeured ground transportation to and from airports, ensuring that patients have a seamless journey as they travel to these essential, often remote, treatment facilities.
Recognizing the impact of its partners, CAN presents its Angel Award each year to organizations that play a pivotal role in furthering its mission of arranging complimentary flights on corporate aircraft for patients in need. We are truly honored to have received this award, which acknowledges our role in supporting such an important cause. It is especially meaningful to us, as it highlights our unwavering commitment to assisting cancer patients in their fight for recovery and motivates us to continue making a positive, lasting impact in their lives.
Our hearts go out to the Los Angeles community currently facing unimaginable challenges from the devastating wildfires. The magnitude of this tragedy has deeply impacted us all and we hold in light everyone affected. As a company deeply rooted in the LA community, EmpireCLS is committed to supporting those on the front lines. To aid in the relief efforts, we have made a donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. The courage and dedication of these brave firefighters are truly an inspiration, and we’re honored to play even a small role in ensuring they have the resources needed.
Last week our LA based team worked together to deliver thousands of bottles of water to various shelters accepting donations. We also worked with our local food vendor to prepare and deliver hundreds of freshly made burritos to firefighters in Altadena. This week, we are providing meals for over 500 firefighters stationed at Will Rogers State Beach.
As Los Angeles rebuilds, EmpireCLS remains steadfast in our commitment to support and strengthen our community. Through ongoing partnerships with local organizations and charities, we stand ready to serve and assist in the recovery efforts. Our dedication to the city we proudly call home extends far beyond transportation – it’s about being there for our neighbors when they need us most.
Standing in solidarity with our Los Angeles family.
We would like to inform you about an important change affecting travel in Manhattan and how EmpireCLS is adapting to serve you better.
Starting January 5, 2025, New York City will implement a new congestion pricing policy.
A toll will be charged for vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan (local streets and avenues at or below 60th Street). This initiative aims to reduce traffic by an estimated 80,000 vehicles daily, improving mobility in one of the nation’s most congested areas.
To align with this new policy, EmpireCLS will implement the following change:
Our Commitment to You
At EmpireCLS, we remain dedicated to providing you with exceptional luxury chauffeured services.
We appreciate your understanding and continued trust in EmpireCLS. Our team is available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding this update.
If you have any questions, please contact customer@empirecls.com.
Thank you for choosing EmpireCLS. We look forward to serving you with the same level of excellence you’ve come to expect from us.
