Virtuoso welcomed a new advisory board in Canada; Ensemble launched a new certification program, Flight Centre has a profitable fiscal year, and an amazing Edmonton travel agent celebrated 50 years in travel!
Virtuoso
Virtuoso recently held elections for its global and regional Boards and Committees. Eight agency owners and managers from Canada have been appointed to represent their region on various committees, as they work with their counterparts across the globe to foster collaboration and innovation, establish best practices and guide network decisions to ensure maximum benefit for agencies and advisors, their clients and preferred partners.
In addition to their committee work, they also dedicate their time and expertise to helping guide practices within their region through their participation on Virtuoso’s Canada Member Advisory Board.
During Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, outgoing and incoming members of the Canada Member Advisory Board had a chance to meet in person and begin their three-year tenure as board members and advisor advocates. Outgoing committee board members also agreed to stay on until December 2024 to ensure continuity and a smooth transition.
The board consists of: Stephen Smith – Canada Representative for Virtuoso’s Global Member Advisory Board; Caroline Hay – Cruise Committee; Blair Jerrett – Marketing Committee; Samuel Spencer – Technology Committee; Rob Blowes – Events Committee; Aaron Levine – Destinations & Experiences Committee; Cathy Holler – Hotels & Resorts Committee; Kim Cross – Air Committee (interim).
Ensemble
Ensemble has launched a new Certification Program. The strategic initiative is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and expertise of its members no matter where they are in their career journey.
Featuring a suite of Specialist Certifications the certifications span various product verticals, destinations, and travel niches, including:
- Cruise Certifications: Covering Iconic, Luxury, River, and Expedition cruises.
- Insurance Specialist: Focusing on the critical aspects of travel insurance.
- Luxury Specialist: Addressing the unique demands and expectations of luxury travelers.
- Celebrations Specialist: Expertise in destination weddings and honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays and more.
- Regional Certifications: In-depth knowledge of destinations including Europe, Africa, Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and more.
The Certification Program is further structured with tiered benefits that cater to members at different levels of expertise – Novice, Expert, and Certified. Benefits of certification include:
- Reduced rates and/or Complimentary Access to Ensemble Events: Including Horizons, the annual consortium wide event and Summit for owners and managers.
- Priority Hosting for Ensemble Hosted Cruises: Allowing members to showcase their expertise directly to clients.
“Ensemble’s new Certification Program reflects our ongoing dedication to our members’ growth and success,” said Kristina Boyce, Sr. VP of Operations, Ensemble. “By offering these specialized certifications, we are equipping our members with the tools they need to excel in today’s competitive travel landscape and reinforcing our commitment to being a trusted partner in their professional development.”
Earlier this year, Ensemble partnered with The Travel Institute to introduce the Ensemble Luxury Certification Program. The organization is also launching a Destination Honeymoon and Wedding Specialist program with The Travel Institute as part of the launch of its newest member Circles community, Celebrations.
Direct Travel
Direct Travel advisor Sue Pechtel was celebrated recently at a gala get-together of some 90 friends, suppliers, clients and relatives at an evening at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton. The occasion was her 50th anniversary in the travel industry, and it was an evening of congratulations and reminiscences.
Pechtel was born in Victoria, BC, where she started her career at Blaney’s Travel in 1974. Two years later she moved to Edmonton, where she would later meet and marry travel industry colleague Bill Pechtel of Globetrotter Travel. Today she recalls days of early, clunky computers (“Resevec!”), hand-writing tickets, stamping brochures, and a lot of paperwork. The Pechtels eventually sold their agency to Vision Travel, which is today part of the North America-wide Direct Travel.
“I still sell a lot of everything – even some corporate travel – but I really enjoy selling cruises,” she says. “Bill and I have had some wonderful trips: Peru, South Africa, the Mekong, Australia and Dubai all come to mind. And we’ve escorted about 40 cruise groups, including acting as hosts on some Virtuoso departures.”
Are retirement plans in Pechtel’s future? Not yet. “You could say I work seven days a week – but I love it,” she enthuses. The couple’s favourite hobby is enjoying fine food and wine, yet another reason to enjoy cruising. Plus, as she adds with a laugh, “My clients won’t let me retire!”
Flight Centre Travel Group
Flight Centre Travel Group issued its full year results for FY24 to the Australian Securities Exchange. FCTG delivered an AU$320 million underlying profit before tax for 2024 fiscal year – a 131% increase on the year previous.
In this country, Chris Lynes, Canada Managing Director, FCTG said, “It’s been a promising year highlighted by both growth and innovation for Flight Centre Travel Group in Canada. The continued success of our corporate and leisure divisions has enabled us to gain increased market share and strategically expand our footprint across the country.”
“Throughout the last year, our flagship business travel division Corporate Traveller has focused on streamlining operations and optimizing efficiency, which has allowed us to accelerate growth and further tap into Canada’s emerging SME market. We continue to win new business across several different sectors, while strengthening our relationships and driving value for our existing clients.”