Kanye West Launches Branded Travel Website

Kanye West has launched a new travel service through his West Brands LLC. holding company called Kanye Travel Ventures. Based at www.kanyetravel.com, the program will offer high quality, cost effective business and leisure travel packages to Kanye’s fans and followers. According to a press release announcing the venture, Kanye and his management team have partnered with travel experts to negotiate high volume discounts on air, lodging and car rental providers in order to provide their customers with the best value for their dollar. Prospective travelers will also be able to create custom travel packages through the site and will have access to artist related products such as concert tickets and related merchandise. “While celebrity brand-driven travel programs have been attempted in the past, none have demonstrated long-term viability due to the lack of resources, commitment, and expertise deployed by the management company and the endorsing celebrity,” said Neil Abrams of Abrams Consulting Group, a travel consulting firm. “KTV, however, has been designed with Kanye and his executive team, and his energy and resources have been devoted to this innovative product offering.” Kanye Travel Ventures is the latest in rapper's string of self-branded business initiatives outside the realm of the music industry. In February, he launched searchwithkanyewest.com, a branded internet search engine that allows users to earn digital "Swag Bucks" that can be exchanged for Kanye merchandise.