Following the success of its inaugural ‘Further Your World; Exclusive Educational Trip’ last month, Ensemble, has announced an initial schedule of FAM trips for 2024, with destinations ranging from the Maldives and South America to the Middle East.
The new FAM program is centred on providing members with firsthand in-destination experiences to build greater knowledge of and relationships with the consortium’s partners.
Through ‘Further Your World,’ Ensemble says advisors will gain direct access to in-demand destinations, emerging themes, and new products, along with the opportunity to engage in networking, and participate in educational programs to elevate their performance within the travel industry. The process to be considered includes applications and pre-trip training along with additional follow-up and training for up to a year following the trip to better track and measure success.
The first FAM experience in partnership with Silversea to Iceland was completed in July 2023 with additional trips this year to Egypt with Egypt & Beyond; a cruise along the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam with AMA Waterways; and a trip to Ecuador with G Adventures.
2024 program
A range of trips to destinations around the globe ranging from immersive trips with a duration of seven to 10 days, as well as shorter “city breaks,” includes itineraries with the following partners to trending and emerging destinations:
• Intrepid – Feb. 17-27 – This 11-day Antarctic adventure will provide advisors with an in-depth experience to one of the top trending destinations with opportunities to learn about this remote part of the world that is drawing travellers to this remote part of the world in record numbers.
• South American Tours Peru – March 2-7 – An immersive trip to Peru’s most popular cities and experiences including Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu will give advisors opportunities to learn about the country’s cultural, adventure and nature offerings from the Andes to the rainforest as well as get a taste of the gourmet culinary scene.
• Metropolitan Tours Peru – March 16-23 – Another opportunity to explore the archaeological richness and colorful traditions of Peru with visits to Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco.
• Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority – April – Along with site inspections of these twin islands’ hotels and resorts, participants will have an opportunity to explore the area just as their clients would including a stop at the weekly market where they can meet locals.
• South American Tours Ecuador – May 4-15 – This trip to the Galapagos, Quito, and Otavalo will give advisors a comprehensive look at Ecuador’s wide range of topography from jungle-rainforest to the high slopes of the Andes, and then down to the Pacific coast. The trip also includes a visit to the Galápagos and options to do “get below the surface” with dive excursions.
• Travel Excellence – June 7-14 – A 7-day trip to Costa Rica features highlights of this country’s vast nature, wildlife, rich culture, and diverse gastronomy from the rainforest to the Arenal Volcano, culminating in a visit to one of the most beautiful beaches of the Pacific Coast.
• Cunard – Aug. 5-12 – Sailing from Rome to Barcelona offering opportunities to visit landmarks in Rome and Pisa and sunbathing in Palma de Mallorca before ending the adventure in Barcelona.
• AmaWaterways – Oct. 19- 26 – This sailing on the Danube from Budapest to Vilshofen will give advisors a firsthand look at why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets, and musicians with opportunities to see timeless architecture and art in three capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna.
• G Adventures – Oct. 20-27 – This Northern India itinerary to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Pachewa includes a visit to the Taj Mahal and ends with a stay in a timeless desert village.
Additional dates will be announced with partners including Koveli Travel to the Maldives; Island Routes for a November 2024 Jamaica fam; a trip to Israel with Eshet also in November; and a Big Five trip to Guatemala in April.
Dates and itineraries for additional FAMs will be shared with members as they are confirmed, including another trip with Silversea, which hosted the inaugural Further Your World FAM trip, and others.
“We are thrilled to offer a comprehensive and diverse schedule of FAM trips for 2024 that will allow our advisors to gain insight into so many emerging and trending destinations covering all parts of the world,” said Jenn Kotacka, Sr. Director of Training and Development for Ensemble. “We are truly grateful to our partners who have embraced the new FAM program and are as excited as we are to provide our members with these important opportunities to experience their product and learn about the nuances these destinations offer as they represent the types of trips that their clients are asking about.”