e g n a h c ex
the
ISSUE II 2019
Supplier Partners
2019
Making Our World Better
International
Conference
Trends Worth Watching
Partnerships w
Purpose
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Dear Ensemble Member, Welcome to your newly designed member magazine,
The Exchange.
As we discovered during our time together at the 2019 International Conference in Seattle, it’s important to not only know your purpose but to communicate your purpose. Here at Ensemble, our purpose is to be a leader in the industry and to put you — our members — in a viable position for years to come. With that in mind, we felt the Exchange, in its old form, wasn’t living up to those standards, and with 2020 upon us, it was time to make a change.
Exchange Editor Brand Marketing & Communication Specialist Alexa Wheeler awheeler@ensembletravel.com Writers Jill Mross Maria Lenhart, Skift Designer Marc Cohen Supplier Relations / Exchange Advertising Susan Gannon Suzanne Hall
The purpose of the Exchange, Ensemble’s new member magazine, is to provide our members with relevant insight, advice, and industry information, along with a bit of entertainment to make you smile. We hope the Exchange continues to grow and becomes an essential piece of reading you anticipate receiving. Whether you sift through its contents while enjoying a cup of joe (or, perhaps, a glass of wine) or you pass it around the office lunch table, our hope is that the Exchange will inspire exactly what its name reflects — an exchange of ideas, a sharing of thoughts, and a start to change-making conversations. The Exchange will evolve as we continue to discover the needs and wants of our members and what information best serves your interests. Therefore, please share your feedback, and let us know what you would like to see in upcoming issues. As 2019 comes to an end and 2020 takes center stage, our hope for all of you is to not only know your purpose and communicate it but to embrace the necessary changes in order to live by it. We wish you a prosperous year ahead. Sincerely, Alexa Wheeler Brand Marketing & Communication Specialist
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QA and
WITH VP of Supplier Relations, Una O’Leary
D: Tell us a bit about your background in the travel industry. U: My experience in travel pre-dates my career. I’ve lived in some incredible places including Dublin, Abu Dhabi, Salzburg, and Neuchatel. The travel bug was instilled in me by my parents, and I’ve always wanted to work in travel. I joined the American Express Travel Partner Network in 2002, starting as Senior Manager, Marketing & Supplier Relations and ending as Head of Canada. I joined Carlson Wagonlit Travel and their leadership team in 2014. My most recent position at CWT was Senior Director, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships for North America. D: You’ve been with Ensemble for two weeks. What are your initial thoughts? U: We have an incredibly talented and passionate team that’s focused on delivering great products and services on behalf of our members and their clients. I’m thrilled to be part of the Ensemble family, and I’m even more excited now than I was on the first day! D: What do you hope to accomplish in your role during your first year?
Earlier this year, we sat down with CEO, David Harris to get to know him more personally. This time around, David sat down with VP of Supplier Relations, Úna O’Leary for an interview she wasn’t expecting...
U: I hope to support and deliver on board-appointed objectives (One Vision), leverage our best assets (our team) to exceed expectations with a culture of inclusion and support (One Voice), deliver salable, scalable products that drive stakeholder value (One Choice), and enrich our partnerships both internally and externally (One Network). D: So, I heard you’re from Irish decent … tell us more about that. U: I am! With a name like Úna Mary O’Leary, it’s a definite give away. My father (Donal O’Leary) is from Wexford, and my mother (Ann Mackey) is from Waterford. They met where all good immigrating Irish folks go – in Boston! I spent a lot of time in Ireland growing up and still see it as my second home. D: What are three things on your bucket list? U: I want to: • Deeply explore places I’ve had either no or a brief opportunity to visit such as Asia, South America, Australasia, Wales, Scandinavia, and the polar regions. • Commit to a workout schedule. I try . . . I really do. • Rediscover my passion for cooking – great food takes time and TLC. D: Bonus question! What’s your favorite place in the world? U: Easy – with family and friends. Location is just the backdrop for creating lasting memories, and nothing beats time with loved ones.
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table of
CONTENTS inform 06
07
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
PURPOSE AWARDS: MAKING OUR WORLD BETTER
10
EXCERPT FROM SKIFT
18
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
collaborate
08 12
15
17
TRENDS WORTH WATCHING HOW TO ATTRACT THE MILLENIAL CLIENT 3 QUESTIONS WITH STEPHANIE TURNER PARTNERSHIPS WITH PURPOSE
entertain
16
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2019 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN SEATLE
Welcome New Members
The second half of 2019 was a success for Ensemble, especially after the recent completion of our 2019 International Conference “Travel with Purpose” in Seattle. We’re confident we’ve made a mark on the industry and have set a high standard for other industry leaders to follow. But this level of excellence would be impossible without you — our members. Whether you’ve been part of Ensemble for years or you’ve recently joined us, you all play an integral part in the success of this organization.
On behalf of the entire Ensemble team, we’d like to introduce the new U.S. members who have joined us during the second half of 2019. We welcome each of you to the Ensemble family!
~ 417 Travel • Springfield, MO ~ Bethany Travel-Dream Vacations Inc • Millsboro, DE ~ BookSavvy • Washington, UT ~ Carolyn Waffle Certified Travel, LLC • Binghamton, NY ~ Elite Voyages • Diamond Bar, CA ~ Foerster Travel Inc. • Lubbock, TX ~ Glorious Getaways Travel, LLC • Howell, NJ ~ Magical Memories Tours and Travel • Louisville, KY ~ Millbrook World Travel Corp • Kissimmee, FL ~ Trailblazing Travel • Seattle, WA ~ Travelworld • Kingston, PA ~ Travelworld • Scranton, PA ~ Voyage-America • Edgewater, MD ~ Warwick Travel Service • Newport News, VA
EXPLORING
INTRODUCING OUR EXCLUSIVE ONBOARD PROGRAM Holland America Line’s newest program, Club Orange, offers an added level of luxury on board our ships with priority access, special events and exclusive amenities, including: • Priority Check-in
• Dedicated Concierge Hotline
• Private dining and expanded
• Exclusive experiences chosen by
menu options*
the ship captain
Visit GoHAL.com for more information including Club Orange FAQ’s and fleet roll-out schedule.
Club Orange must be purchased at the stateroom level for the full length of the cruise for $35 per person, per day on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam or $25 per person, per day on all other ships. Club Orange charges apply to the 1st and 2nd guests in the stateroom. All guests within that stateroom will receive the Club Orange amenities, including 3rd/4th guests. Single guests traveling alone in a stateroom will only be charged $35 or $25 per day, depending on the ship. By enrolling in Club Orange, guests who have purchased either Platinum or Standard Cruise Protection are responsible for any increase in cost of the coverage based on the cost of the Club Orange add-on. *Private dining available on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam only. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.
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P U R P O S E AWA R D S : -
Making
Our World Better
Thomas Edison once said, “There’s a better way. Find it.” Ensemble’s first-ever PURPOSE Awards honor a special circle of partners who find and put into practice that “better way” for local communities, heritage preservation, and our planet. Congratulations to this inaugural class of winners! Caring for the Environment – Air New Zealand. What does an airline know about saving the planet? Apparently a lot after reviewing Air New Zealand’s resume of accomplishments and goals in this area. Highlights include: Replaced nearly 55 million single-use plastic items with lower-impact alternatives in a year; purchased more than $1M worth of carbon offsets from permanent New Zealand native forestry projects (working together with NZ customers); relocated numerous endangered species; and currently investing in a new fuel-efficient fleet with the potential savings of 190,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Caring for the Local Community – G Adventures. This commitment has been in G Adventures’ DNA for decades, but it just keeps getting stronger. The company selects its business partners based on a “Ripple Score.” Working with Sustainable Travel International, it conducts an assessment to learn about their environmental and labor practices and local community contributions. They then determine what percentage of the money spent on services in trip destinations stays local, where it has the greatest ‘ripple effect’. Average score of its tour suppliers? An impressive 93 out of 100. Protecting Local Heritage – The Travel Corporation. Supporting local community development and tackling over tourism are just two ways this travel leader makes an impact around the globe. Their People Projects initiative focuses on cultural preservation, including a scholarship program in Seville for Flamenco students and micro-enterprise training for a woman’s cooperative in Jordan. In addition, steering clear of crowded tourist trails, the partner spotlights destinations featuring hidden gems and unexpected adventures with lots of local flavor.
Overall Purpose Award – Lindblad Expeditions. What do you do when a partner excels in all three award categories? You create a special honor just for this super star!
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Trends worth watching BY JILL MROSS
During his opening conference speech, Ensemble’s CEO, David Harris, shared insights into where we stand as an organization, what we’re doing to increase accountability across our network, and how we’re committed to moving our businesses forward. He also outlined some key trends that significantly impact your business. Here are five to follow: Data is king. Whether it’s direct mail pieces, sales feedback systems from suppliers, or other efforts that can be used to generate leads, the value of information and analysis is critical to building your business. Travelers enjoy helping plan their vacations. Our value as co-planners is making sure vacations start when the planning does, not when clients touch down in exotic locales. You’re successful when you build their anticipation and excitement from the very beginning through colorful storytelling.
Yarra Valley
Aussie Wine & Wildlife Yarra Valley
Southern Ocean Lodge
Beginning in Melbourne, your clients will taste their way through all of Australia’s renowned wine regions, hot air ballooning over stunning views of the vineyards. Private tours of the finest wineries will fill their bellies and hearts with the beauty of the local produce before traveling to Kangaroo Island’s spectacular Southern Ocean Lodge, where they will encounter the local wildlife and the majesty of Australia’s coastline. Speak to our Travel Experts today! 1-800-227-9246 | info@swaindestinations.com
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Affinity travel is hot. The closer people feel to an organization or publication, the more likely they are to trust them for things like planning their vacation. Groups like Armed Forces Travel has a successful track record, recreating how it offers travel to customers and makes more money for its business.
“All You Can Travel” subscriptions are becoming popular among luxury travelers. Similar to Netflix where a monthly subscription provides unlimited streaming, we’re seeing companies like Inspirato and Indagare sell travel on a similar basis. For example, for a $2,500 monthly fee, you can stay anywhere, anytime within their network of providers. Climate change and sustainability are real threats. With more than seven billion trips taken annually, our business impacts the future viability of destinations around the world. Bottom line: We must be responsible and take action accordingly. It’s one of the drivers behind our 2019 conference theme and new partnership with Cool Effect. What’s more, Skift’s recent survey found nearly 60% of travelers said it was important to choose travel companies that prioritize sustainable business practices.
Cruise Europe’s Legendary Rivers Journey through the heart of Europe with award-winning AmaWaterways. Taste exquisite, locally-sourced cuisine, fine wines, and be treated to unparalleled service.
Save up to $1,500 per stateroom and receive $300 onboard credit on select 2020 sailings Book your clients next river cruise adventure by calling 1.888.626.1399 or visit the Travel Advisor Portal at AmaWaterways.com today. Terms & Conditions: Savings and onboard credit amounts are per stateroom, listed in USD, based on double occupancy and are valid on select sailings. Solo travelers receive half. Offers are not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-40
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A
Ensemble Travel Group is not alone in its quest to come up with solutions to save the environment. Destinations, other travel agency groups, event planners, hotels, airlines, and cruise lines likewise are trying to address environmental issues, including overtourism.
enormous impact of tourism and asking how it is benefitting the local communities,” he said. “People want to engage in local cultures and to protect the resources. There’s a new emerging view of travel and tourism born out of this crisis. The industry is responding.”
The conference took place October 22 to 27 in Seattle.
The need for responsible tourism and business practices dominated most of the conference agenda whose theme was Travel With Purpose. Suppliers emphasized their sustainability practices during their presentations, while keynote addresses featured Spencer West, a humanitarian with the We Charity and a double amputee, and MOD Pizza founders Scott and Ally Svenson whose company has provided numerous job opportunities for exconvicts.
For its part, Sabo said Visa is responding through several initiatives, including a three-year partnership with Venice, perhaps the city most affected by overtourism. At Visa for Venice kiosks throughout the city cardholders can swipe their cards to make a donation to sustainability efforts in the destination.
During a panel presentation on responsible tourism, Douglas Sabo, Visa’s vice president for global corporate responsibility and sustainability, said that multiple surveys show that travelers, led by Millennials and Generation Z, want to incorporate sustainability into their trips.
“Surveys show that the confusion in ticketing is the biggest barrier to getting people to use public transportation when traveling,” he said.
lthough she wasn’t there, the spirit of environmental activist Greta Thunberg loomed large at the Ensemble Travel Group’s 2019 International Conference. “Climate and sustainability are the biggest issues facing the travel industry today and the biggest issues facing your clients,” Ensemble CEO David Harris told the audience of travel agency owners, frontline travel advisors and suppliers during his opening remarks. “I call it the Greta effect.”
Noting that an estimated seven billion trips are taken worldwide each year, Harris said that travel has both good and bad effects on destinations. “We have a responsibility to be mindful and to educate our clients about traveling to more sustainable places,” he said. “We will be introducing new supplier partners devoted to this. We need to make sure we are part of the solution and not part of the problem.”
Skift Logo.png
11/17/19, 1'02 PM
Excerpt from WRITTEN BY MARIA LENHART
“Travelers are looking at the Skift Article Photo.JPG
Among the steps Ensemble is taking is to enter into a partnership with Cool Effect, which has a tool that will enable travel agencies to calculate how much of a monetary donation their clients would need to make to offset the carbon footprint of their trips.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fG6f2KtLMPYEHReiCDFlGHD4JKbreq-Y/view
Visa is also participating in Tap to Pay, machines that make it easier for visitors to purchase tickets for public transportation in various cities.
Marie Fukodome, director of environmental affairs for Hyatt Hotels, said that sustainability efforts on the part of hotels is leading to greater guest satisfaction.
11/17/19, 1'02 PM
Ensemble Travel Group CEO David Harris in Seattle, Washington.
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Page 1 of 1
“People like having sensors to give light when they need them or to have thermostats that they can control,” she said. “It’s created a win-win situation.”
efficiency. For example, if I know that August is the worst month for cruise sales, then I know that I should focus on something else then. I can make better use of my time.”
ANALYTICS IS VITAL
STRONGER INDUSTRY TIES
Harris, who took on the newly created position of CEO six months ago, said during his opening remarks that “sustainability is also about the health of our organization.” He noted that the 50-year-old consortium had its best year ever in 2018, topping
Stronger ties with travel industry organizations have become a priority, under Harris’ leadership, most notably by the decision in August to require all Ensemble members to join the American Society of Travel Advisors. As a result, 242 Ensemble travel advisors who were not previously members have joined the organization and the consortium now has a seat on its board of directors.
$1.4 billion in product sales with preferred suppliers, representing 8 percent growth over the prior year. Harris said the numbers don’t actually reflect the real sales among Ensemble travel advisors, which are at least $4 billion when transactions with non-preferred suppliers are factored in. An estimated $1.5 billion in air travel sales are going to nonpreferred airlines, including $300 million to one non-preferred airline alone, he noted. The consortium needs to do a better job of capturing this data in order to give it better leverage with suppliers, according to Harris. “We have to look at the value of our untapped resources and harness the value of our unmanaged travel through better data and analytics,” he said. “In November we will be hiring a new vice president of supplier relations to help us become more strategic with our partners.” In general, the effective use of data and analytics will become a bigger part of education for Ensemble members, Harris added. “Data is king and agencies have to get on board with marketing intelligence,” he said. “It’s essential for building up your business. Analytics are needed to create
“The ASTA partnership was a nobrainer,” Harris said during his remarks to the crowd. “We need to participate in advocacy for our industry. ASTA is doing remarkable things.” A new partnership with The Travel Institute was announced during the conference, with Ensemble becoming the first consortium to offer a scholarship to every shareholder member who goes through one of the Institute’s certification programs. For the next year, Ensemble will underwrite 50 percent of the certification costs. At the same time, it was also announced that the Ensemble Board of Directors has enrolled in the Institute’s top-level Certified Travel Industry Executive program. In a conversation with Skift, Harris said it is essential to support both The Travel Institute and the American Society of Travel Advisors, which he believes are playing valuable roles in maintaining the health of the travel advisor industry. “There’s no barrier for anyone to become a travel advisor — you can
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“Sustainable travel was the overriding theme at Ensemble Travel Group’s 2019 International Conference, which CEO David Harris called the most important issue facing travel advisors and their clients. The importance of capturing sales data and strong alliances with travel industry organizations also emerged as top priorities.” — Maria Lenhart
just go online and sign up,” Harris said. “This is not a good thing. It’s important that people be qualified and capable. ASTA and The Travel Institute are important learning platforms. We have to do as much as possible to give people opportunities to sell travel and learn about customer relationships. One agency can’t do this alone.” Carrying the conference’s sustainable tourism message forward is also something that will require cooperation from a variety of sources, he added.
“Sustainability has to be a collaborative effort involving suppliers, learning platforms, the press and others,” he said. “Government support will take awhile, but in the meantime we can be consistent and constant in delivering the message.”
At Ensemble’s 2019 International Conference, I hosted a session called
“How to Attract the Millennial Client.” By Alexa Wheeler
I believe many companies group Millennials into a generalized demographic and miss out on the opportunity to target Millennials as individuals. My argument is Millennials should actually be nicknamed the “Individual Generation” because we: Like to figure things out for ourselves, Like to feel independent and not tied down, and Like to do it all.
How can you make Millennials feel this way?
How can you execute these strategies?
In order to make Millennials feel like these three things are possible in the world of travel, I suggest travel advisors:
One way travel advisors can execute all three strategies is by working with micro-influencers, which are social media influencers who have a smaller following typically between 1,000 and 100,000. They’re usually easier to work with than larger influencers and have a closer relationship with their followers.
Focus on what they can do for Millennials, Market “bleisure” trips, and Market micro-cations.
When working with micro-influencers:
First focus on what you can do for Millennials. ,
Ask your chosen micro-influencer to showcase what you were able to do for them — save them time, money and energy, and provide value and human interaction. But instead of spelling it out, have your micro-influencer tell a story in their posts that will make Millennials think “Aha! If I did what my favorite influencer did, I would save so much time and energy!” This “Aha!” moment is important.
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Second, market “bleisure” trips.
We know Millennials value flexibility, so show them how you can make their lives more flexible. For example, if you live near a tech hub, your micro-influencer could post “Traveling to San Francisco or Austin for work soon? Here’s everything you need to know to turn your work trip into a vacation!” They could link to content you’ve published which would establish you as the trusted expert. These types of posts create brand awareness and brand recall, so when Millennials think about their next work trip, you automatically come to mind.
Third, market micro-cations.
At this point in most Millennials’ lives, we’re short on time and money, and we want to see and do everything we possibly can. The reason why micro-influencers will come in handy executing this strategy is because they can relate. Often times, micro-influencers are working a normal job and doing their “influencing” as a side hustle; therefore, micro-cations are what most of their trips are. By partnering with micro-influencers, you can target Millennials by having their trusted source prove that travel advisors can do so much more than simply book the “standard vacation.”
If you didn’t attend my conference session or simply want a refresher, visit
https://youtu.be/2Rb9qLqerA8
to watch my original presentation.
THRILL. CHILL. ENCORE. One incredible experience deserves another. And another. That’s what happens when Norwegian Encore, our newest, most exciting ship arrives fall 2019 sailing to The Caribbean from Miami. Your clients will cheer for another performance after watching the smash Broadway musical Kinky Boots. They will get their adrenaline going as they race for the checkered flag on the largest race track at sea, extending 13 feet over the side of the ship. They can blast their way through an open air laser tag course at the top of the ship – day or night. Then catch their breath and the breathtaking views in the 180-degree Observation Lounge. On Norwegian Encore, your clients are invited to relive the excitement, the exhilaration, the ahhhh – as much as they like. Because once is never enough. And, when they book now, they will enjoy Norwegian’s Free at Sea where they can choose up to 5 Free Offers including Free Unlimited Open Bar plus, they will receive up to $100 Onboard Credit on select sailings!
©2019 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ships’ Registry: BAHAMAS and USA
38715 09/19
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MORE SHIPS. MORE FUN. When your clients choose a Carnival vacation, it’s all theirs for the taking including the amazing destinations, award-winning service, delicious dining, endless onboard activities, spacious accommodations and more. Every one of our ships features its own unique twist on Carnival-style fun—The best part, just about everything is included! NUMBER OF SHIPS: 26 ships, soon 28 with the arrival of Carnival Panorama™ in December 2019 and Mardi Gras™ in 2020 HOMEPORTS: OVER 20 AMAZING PORTS OF CALL! Baltimore, Barbados, Charleston, Ft. Lauderdale, Galveston, Honolulu, Jacksonville, Los Angeles (Long Beach/San Pedro), Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Port Canaveral, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan, Seattle, Tampa, Vancouver DESTINATIONS: FROM THE CARIBBEAN, TO EUROPE & MORE Caribbean, The Bahamas, Mexico, Europe, Bermuda, Cuba, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada & New England, Panama Canal, Australia, Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific
CARNIVAL PANORAMA Starting December 2019, Carnival’s newest Vista class ship Carnival Panorama™ will be sailing out of Long Beach, CA and visiting top spots across Mexico’s postcard-perfect Pacific coast like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and more.
• Home port: Long Beach, CA • Destination: Mexican Riviera • Sky Zone, the first indoor trampoline park at sea! • Carnival WaterWorks & Skyride • Havana Bar & Pool • Family Harbor & Havana Stateroom & Suites • Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse | Brewhouse
ABOUT OUR GUESTS Guests looking for an affordable vacation that will allow them to relax, have fun, try new things and see new places.
KID PLEASERS: • Family time is most valuable. • Family friendly activities are top of mind for them. • Cruising with kids and making family memories is key.
RELAXED EXTROVERTS: • Looking for ways to have fun on a budget. • They want to chill-out and have fun with their significant other and friends. • They want to travel the world and experience new things. • They’re seeking adults-only activities and moments to unwind & recharge. • No matter what, Relaxed Extroverts never want to experience
MARDI GRAS In 2020, your clients will be able to sail on a new ship that will change the cruise world, Mardi Gras™. Carnival is not just paying homage to their first ship — in cruising circles, this name suggests innovation and signals the start of something big.
• Homeport: Port Canaveral, FL • Destinations: Western & Eastern Caribbean
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)!
• First ever roller coaster at sea with BOLT™: Ultimate Sea Coaster™ • Six Distinctive Zones : Grand Central, French Quarter, Summer Landing, La Piazza, Lido, The Ultimate Playground • Emeril’s Bistro 1396™ — Emeril Lagasse first-ever restaurant at sea © 2019 Carnival Corporation. Carnival® and the Carnival logos are trademarks of Carnival Corporation. All rights reserved. Used under license. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas, Panama and Malta.
• Seuss at Sea™
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3 questions with
Stephanie Turner The Warren Buckner Innovation Award honors the founder of Ensemble and
recognizes a member who exemplifies Buckner’s creativity, passion, integrity, perseverance and commitment. The second annual award was presented to
Stephanie Turner of Brentwood Travel whom we sat down with to learn more.
How did you get started in the travel industry?
In November 1973, I went to my parents’ travel agency (Brentwood Travel) to help answer phones during a TWA strike, and I never left. I said I would work three days a week part time since I had young children, but I was soon working four days a week all day. I had never wanted to be in the travel business, but I soon became hooked on dealing with clients and trip planning.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve recently seen in the industry, and how have you navigated them?
To survive in this industry, you must change. This is the only constant. Our company embraced technology from the beginning, and I learned everything about it I could. For me, this began in the late 70’s when I went to every kind of training airlines offered. We started with Sabre and then moved to Pars/Worldspan. We added ADS as our accounting system and then added Client Base and Trams. Finding great people is the other challenge. We hire many young individuals who are college educated and passionate for travel. They’re easy to train and know technology. We incentivize our employees so they can earn more money, and the majority are doing very well. During the 2008 recession, we changed the way we compensate our staff, and it was successful for everyone.
What advice do you have for fellow travel agency owners?
To grow your business, reach out to people and make yourself visible. Also, hire for personality and passion. Bright, young people know technology, and they can learn about suppliers and products. Education is a key element, too. You want people who are positive and care about their clients but who are hungry and want to make money. Pay
QA
them well, build in incentives, and encourage them to travel the world. No matter what your company model is, you must be a cheerleader who encourages your staff.
and
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The 2019 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference ‌ four days of non-stop learning, networking, and having fun with fellow members, partners, and the Ensemble team.
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Partnerships With Purpose Announced In Seattle
Several partnerships were announced at the 2019 International Conference in Seattle, all with the intent to further position you as a relevant, knowledgeable, and responsible travel advisor. Cool Effect has reduced over one million tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere through support from partners and individual contributions. Through our new partnership, Cool Effect’s Travel Offset Tool has been incorporated onto Ensemble’s platform for members to offset the carbon footprint of air travel. And, as the first consortium in the travel industry to make such a commitment, Ensemble offset the conference footprint through one of Cool Effect’s carbon reduction projects. Since 1964, The Travel Institute has prepared individuals for successful careers in the travel industry through a diverse training portfolio. Through innovative education programs, certifications, and customized learning solutions, The Institute promotes a high standard of industry expertise. Our new partnership offers one shareholder per agency the opportunity to receive a 50% tuition scholarship towards the Institute’s CTA, CTC, or CTIE program, and all Ensemble members will receive a 15% discount on its products and programs.
Did you KNOW?
ONLY VIKING TAKES YOU TO THE HEART OF EUROPE’S GREAT CITIES.
As the small ship experts, Viking is able to deliver your clients right to their destination’s doorstep. We own prime docking locations along Europe’s great rivers, enabling our fleet of thoughtfully designed river cruise vessels to dock in the heart of town, so they can walk right off and start exploring. Plus, our intimate ocean vessels can sail into ports that mega-liners simply cannot reach.
FEATURED RIVER & OCEAN SAILINGS
RHINE GETAWAY BASEL TO AMSTERDAM 8 DAYS • 6 TOURS • 4 COUNTRIES
VIKING HOMEL ANDS STOCKHOLM TO BERGEN 15 DAYS • 11 TOURS • 8 COUNTRIES
No NCFs: Viking is the first—and only—cruise line to always pay commission on every aspect of your client’s bookings. Start earning now! Call Viking at 1-877-523-0557 or visit MyVikingJourney.com/agent. 17 | T H E E XC H A N G E Issue II 2019
CST#2052644-40
Mark your calendar
Ensemble Elite The 2020 Ensemble Elite trip will be held June 4-11 aboard Silversea’s Silver Spirit sailing from Barcelona to Civitavecchia. Event invitations will be sent out in February.
Ensemble Executive Retreat The 2020 Ensemble U.S. Executive Retreat will take place in Sedona, Arizona from April 30 – May 3. It will be held at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock – a magical location with stunning landscapes and rich history. The Retreat is limited to 75 Owners/Managers, so email bellenberger@ensembletravel.com for a registration form.
Ensemble Connections These events are designed for Ensemble travel advisors and hands-on owners to develop their professional selling skills, update their product knowledge, network with peers, and meet preferred supplier partners. • March 24 San Francisco – Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel • March 26 Los Angeles – La Peer Hotel West Hollywood • March 30 Newark – Newark Marriott Airport Hotel • April 1 Orlando – Marriott Orlando Downtown Hotel
2020 International Conference Pack your bags for Sin City! The 2020 Ensemble International Conference will be held from October 5-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Caesar Forum and Harrah’s Resort and Casino Hotel.
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THE ENCHANTMENT OF A 7-NIGHT DISNEY CRUISE It’s three hassle-free vacations in one. You’ll have time to discover an amazing ocean voyage. The beauty and tranquility of tropical Caribbean beaches. And all the one-of-a-kind magic and entertainment found only on a Disney cruise.
Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas
© Disney DCL-19-1191205
Contact us today to book your magical Disney Cruise Line vacation.
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INFORMED Thanks for stopping by our booth to investigate your partner advantages.
“Allianz offers policies
We hope you learned more about:
with generous coverage at fair prices. One of its secret weapons is speed— it handles claims lightning fast. ”
INtelligent features like proactive SmartBenefitsSM that make our travel protection easier to use and easier to sell. INtentional customer focus that’s helped us earn a 97% satisfaction rating and strong brand loyalty. INspiring honors from travelers, critics, and advisors like you that push us to keep raising the bar for you and your customers.
— Chris Elliott on Forbes.com, March 2019
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READER’S CHOICE
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BCS Insurance Company or Jefferson Insurance Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of these plans. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com. 400007224_092019