ENSEMBLE WELCOMES NEW GLOBAL PARTNERS

Ensemble Travel Group has welcomed the addition of five new partners to its global network of local destination experts. New to the Ensemble On Location program are Adams & Butler (Ireland and Scotland), Mazurkas (Poland), Sharp Travel Service (Philippines), Tonichi Travel Service (Japan) and Travel2Greece (Greece).

With more than 80 partners in nearly every corner of the world, the Ensemble On Location program plays a significant role in members’ ability to establish themselves as the go-to specialist when it comes to creating exceptional experiences for their clients, according to Suzanne Hall, senior director, marketing and development, land products, who heads up this ever-growing product segment.

“We know, especially in the luxury segment, that travellers are searching for personalized authenticity — encounters purposely designed for that specific customer’s interests. Our Ensemble On Location partners are masters at creating meaningful experiences that are available to clients only through their travel specialist. They support and affirm the importance of using a travel professional,” said Hall.

New to the Ensemble On Location program:

!!! Adams & Butler: Offering its own in-house genealogist for ancestry tours, this destination partner creates authentic experiences for travellers, often arranging accommodations at the finest castle hotels and private stately mansions across Ireland and Scotland. By incorporating something unique into each itinerary — regardless of the budget — Ensemble members become the shining star in their clients’ eyes.

!!! Mazurkas: Established in 1990, this destination management company is the largest privately owned company in the tourism sector in Poland. Over the years, the company has expanded its operations from leisure and incentives, transportation and conferences, to hotel, conference center, and catering services. Among its popular special-interest offerings: Jewish-heritage tours, Catholic pilgrimages, and music- and art-lovers programs.

!!! Sharp Travel Service: As one of the oldest travel operators in the Philippines, this partner offers a variety of special-interest tours including histo-cultural, eco-adventure, diving, cosmo-cultural, and water sports. Popular destinations include Boracay Island, the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and Banaue Rice Terraces.

!!! Tonichi Travel Service: Founded in 1950, this Toyoko-based operator’s extensive purchasing power helps deliver savings to both Ensemble members and their clients. Experienced in both groups and FITs, Tonichi has also arranged travel for clients requiring high-level privacy protection and security in destinations throughout Japan.

!!! Travel2Greece: With a focus on culinary, archeological, and cultural excursions, Travel2Greece works closely with travel professionals to design tours with a twist for their clients. From making cheese at an organic farm in Santorini to running laps at the legendary Panthinaiko Stadium in Athens, this partner’s insider connections provide unique adventures for a variety of travel interests.

Ensemble members will have the opportunity to network with many of the On Location partners during private, one-on-one meetings and two afternoon tradeshows during the 2013 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference, set for Oct. 31-Nov. 4 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. (http://www.joinensemble.com)