Ensemble Travel Group reports it recognized its top 25 producers in the U.S. and Canada with a Mediterranean cruise from May 28 to June 2, 2012, aboard the Azamara Quest. Sailing from Nice to Rome, the group of 130 included Ensemble’s top producing members, sponsoring suppliers and guests, Ensemble reports.
Ensemble Travel Group Co-President Lindsay Pearlman said the annual event honors agents achievements and thanks agents for their continued commitment to Ensemble.
Edie Bornstein, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Azamara Cruises, welcomed the North American group saying, “Your dedication, collaboration, and leadership make you critical to the success of our team and our brand."
A members-only executive business meeting, led by Pearlman and Co-President Libbie Rice, brought together a group of influential members to discuss industry trends, economic impacts and the strategic direction of the organization.
“We are seeing the benefits of our unique North American structure come to fruition,” said Rice. “We’ve been slowly but successfully evolving our strategy, leveraging the strengths of both countries, and fine-tuning the Ensemble value proposition."
"We’ve added bench strength in our membership services department on both sides of the border and, even during an economically challenging year, we have been able to help our members become more profitable,” Rice said.
Deana Murphy, executive director of sales, Sunwing Vacations/Vacations Express, noted their entry into the North American market with the recent acquisition of Vacations Express.
“Getting the chance to meet and forge relationships with Ensemble’s top producers on both sides of the border – in one shot – is priceless,” said Murphy. “We value our relationship with Ensemble and given the parallel North American strategies, we are eager to parlay our success with Sunwing in Canada into the U.S. through Vacations Express.”
The itinerary featured a number of of shore excursions in St. Tropez, Monte Carlo, Lucca and Cinque Terre for wine-tastings and guided tours.
“The Top 25 Celebration is a wonderful way for Ensemble to thank its top producers and, for us as partners, it is a valuable opportunity to show our support and gratitude,” said Shawn Tubman, vice president, national accounts, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Sponsors included: Avis Budget Group, British Airways, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Globus family of brands, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, RBC Insurance, Royal Caribbean International, Travel Bound, Viking River Cruises, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet Vacations.
Founded in 1968, Ensemble Travel Group is a member-owned international organization of approximately 850 professional travel agencies in the U.S. and Canada.
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