PALM SPRINGS, CA — Ensemble Travel Group members in Canada honoured their top partners with a number of awards during the organization’s annual Circle of Excellence black-tie gala at the Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Spa on Tuesday evening.
The following preferred partners were honoured in the annual awards program, based on member votes and input:
2014 Cruise Partner of the Year – Oceania Cruises
2014 Outstanding Agency Support Award – Cruise – Oceania Cruises
2014 Outstanding Marketing Partner Award – Cruise – Holland America Line
2014 Tour Partner of the Year – Globus family of brands
2014 Outstanding Agency Support Award – Tour – Transat Holidays
2014 Outstanding Marketing Partner Award – Tour – Transat Holidays
2014 Air Partner of the Year – Porter Airlines
2014 Overall Agency Support Award – Air – Air New Zealand
2014 Business Services/Insurance Partner of the Year – RBC-Manulife.
In addition, eight North American awards, reflecting the input of both Canadian and U.S. members, were announced at the Circle of Excellence gala. They are:
2014 Transportation Partner of the Year – AvisBudget Group
2014 Outstanding Agency Support Award – Transportation – Rail Europe, Inc.
2014 Ensemble On Location Partner of the Year – TFL Tours (France, Italy destination specialist)
2014 Hotel Partner of the Year – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
2014 Marketing Partner of the Year – Hotel – Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
2014 Specialty Partner of the Year – Cruise – Paul Gauguin Cruises
2014 Specialty Partner of the Year – Tour – G Adventures
2014 River Cruise Partner of the Year – Avalon Waterways.
Members based their selections on three key performance areas: quality of customer service (timeliness and accuracy of communications and documentation, ease of the booking process and overall problem solving), level of agency support (local sales rep, co-op funds, group support, marketing guidance, product training and commitment to agency sales channel), and client satisfaction (product delivery, fulfillment of client expectations and repeat bookings).
In addition to the annual recognition program, Ensemble Travel Group officials use the member feedback as a valuable tool for ongoing supplier dialogue and benchmarking purposes.
