RETAIL ROUND-UP: Ensemble, Flight Centre, CAA, ACV, and Jamaica Tourist Board

Ensemble served up a new incentive program for top performers, Flight Centre posted positive profit numbers, and CAA stepped up to help confused air travellers. Also making retail news in this week’s round-up were Air Canada Vacations and the Jamaica Tourist Board – both with incentive prizes up for grabs.

Ensemble

Ensemble has announced the launch of ‘Ensemble Beyond: Elevated Experiences,’ a new concept designed to celebrate top performers, and which will debut on this year’s annual event in June.

Underscoring a belief that “travel is as much about the experience as it is the destination,” the inaugural trip under the redefined concept will take place from June 7 to 10 with a trip to the City of Light that includes exclusive access to the French Open at Roland-Garros.

Designed to provide members with unparalleled access to experience excellence in sport, music, art, cuisine, architecture, and more, Ensemble says its Elevated Experiences programs reflects Ensemble’s dedication to curating “distinctive, unforgettable branded events… (and) commitment to celebrate excellence and achievement in extraordinary ways.”

In addition to attending the French Open at Roland-Garros – including private VIP salon access at the Women’s Final and Men’s Doubles Final – the itinerary includes several Parisien culinary experiences highlighting the city’s rich tapestry of cuisine with options to enjoy the cultural experiences that Paris is known for.

“We are thrilled to be launching this series of events and have every confidence that this will become the industry gold standard as we raise the bar in recognizing excellence beyond the conventional,” said Michael Johnson, President of Ensemble. “This event not only honours and celebrates the accomplishments of our elite advisors, but also inspires a continued pursuit of excellence, amidst the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.”

Flight Centre

Flight Centre Travel Group reports that it achieved an AUD$106 million underlying profit before tax (PBT) for the half year to Dec. 31, 2023, with the result exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to the company. Corporate transactions increased by 53% and leisure by 16.8%.

Meanwhile, Chris Lynes, Canada Managing Director, Flight Centre Travel Group, says, “During the first half of the fiscal year 2024, Flight Centre Travel Group experienced significant growth, with our corporate and leisure sectors in Canada driving increased revenues. Notably, Corporate Traveller and Flight Centre have taken the lead, propelling our division to become one of the largest.

He added, “Forward looking, with our consistent growth and innovative edge, we’re poised to expand our market share across Canada, North America and, indeed beyond.”

 CAA

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has launched an easy-to-use guide to help air travellers navigate the rules when they run into some of the most common problems, such as flight delays, cancellations, lost bags and getting bumped from a flight.

Canada has had federal rules governing air passenger rights for several years now, but they are complicated and long, running to over 60 pages. CAA’s Air Passenger Help Guide provides a plain-language guide that answers questions about the most common flight disruptions in five clicks or less. Air travellers wondering what, if anything, the airlines owe them can consult our guide for help.

“Travelling can be complex, and the rules protecting air travellers are complicated. CAA is stepping up by providing Canadians with the information they need when things go wrong,” says Ian Jack, VP public affairs for CAA National.

The guide can be found HERE.

 

Air Canada Vacations

Air Canada Vacations reports that more 1,200 travel professionals across the country turned out for its 2024 Europe Breakfast Seminar series, which took place across 20 Canadian cities. A host of suppliers were also in attendance, providing the latest updates and trends, along with highlights of the upcoming European travel season.

“Our strategy this year was simple: to create awareness of the extensive product offerings Air Canada Vacations provides in Europe, including an increased number of new tours showcasing breathtaking destinations across the continent,” said ACV director of sales Ana Paula De Souza.

She added that the tour operator will continue its education program through future webinars, updated tips, and FAM trips planned for 2024 – as well as its newly launched 2024 Europe Travel Agent Toolkit.

  • Incentives: For each tour and package booking to Ireland made through Air Canada Vacations through June 30, agents have a chance to win an “Ireland Classic Tour” package for two. The winners will be announced on July 15. Travel must take place by Dec. 31. And, agents can enjoy 20% off their next ACV Europe Tours & Flight plus Hotel packages made by March 29 for travel through year’s end.

Jamaica Tourist Board

Hot on the heels of the Bob Marley One Love biopic, the Jamaica Tourist Board has launched ‘Kingston: Roots, Rock, and Reggae,’ a themed trivia contest for Canadian travel advisors. Agents can test their knowledge of the island’s capital city and iconic music history for a chance to win a trip for two to Kingston, Jamaica.

The grand prize winner will receive a three-night stay at the newly renovated Courtleigh Hotel and Suites, two passes on the new Kingston City Guided Tour, VIP departure service with Club Kingston, and return air tickets from Toronto to Kingston provided by Flair Airlines.

The JTB team will also conduct weekly draws throughout the month for destination-inspired swag such as One Love toques and Jamaica-branded tote bags.

The contest runs until March 31 with the grand prize winner to be announced on April 10.

Enter at visitjamaica.com/canada/contest.