ORLANDO — Ensemble Travel Group Co-Presidents Lindsay Pearlman and Libbie Rice outlined several new “points of differentiation” for the organization’s member agencies as they kicked off the 2015 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.
Speaking before an audience of more than 900 members, suppliers and guests, Pearlman and Rice detailed new initiatives in the air, cruise, technology, marketing and business development areas that will help members compete more effectively in the “new world.”
“The role of the travel professional has certainly evolved in the last decade or so. At least it has for those who’ve really focused on being in the business of travel. And that means a huge congratulations is in order for you, our members and preferred partners, who are sitting in this room today. What it’s telling me is you ‘get it’,” said Pearlman, congratulating members on their record-breaking year with Ensemble in 2014.
Rice said these new points of differentiation will deliver a strong competitive advantage in the consortia space. “We’re focused solely on members and partners, providing you with tools and tactics and technology to keep you ahead of the curve. Our goal is to help you get the most out of your affiliation with Ensemble Travel Group in a way that your profits skyrocket far ‘beyond boundaries’ and more than you could ever achieve on your own.”
Among the points of differentiation introduced at the 2015 Ensemble conference:
- Aviate – A global air ticketing platform
- Guaranteed Hosted Cruise Departure Program and Elite Excursions – Series of confirmed hosted sailings and extraordinary excursions
MyTripRoute – A web-based itinerary builder tool
Ensemble Affiliate Division – A non-shareholder membership option.
The Ensemble co-presidents wrapped up their keynote speech on another unique aspect of the organization: the makeup of its membership. In the U.S., 46 members have been with Ensemble for 25 years or more. And in Canada, 52 members have been with the organization for a quarter-of-a-century or more. At the other end of the spectrum, 37 new members have joined Ensemble since last conference. The meeting program featured a number of networking activities to help all conference delegates interact and share best practices.
