This week: Big news at Trevello; new ownership at the Stewart Travel Group; a new and familiar name at Travel Leaders Network; Ensemble kicked off its 2025 event schedule; and incentives from TravelBrands and Brand USA.
Trevello
Trevello World Holdings Inc. has announced veteran travel executive, former Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) president and CEO Andy Stuart as Co-Chairman and Co-Founder.
According to Morris Chia, Founder and CEO of Trevello World Holdings, Stuart, who is an owner of the new enterprise, joins Trevello at a pivotal moment where his “visionary leadership, deep admiration of travel advisors and proven track record of driving growth and operational excellence make him an excellent partner.”
Says Chia: “Andy’s decision to join Trevello is a testament to our shared vision for the future of travel and our commitment to investing in the success advisors. His expertise and strategic insight will be invaluable as we embark on this next chapter and beyond.”
Prior to joining Trevello World Holdings, Stuart served as a board member of Trevello Canada, a division of Trevello World Holdings.
“I am honoured to work alongside Morris and the talented Trevello team,” said Stuart. “Advisors have always been the heart and soul of creating unforgettable experiences for their clients – it’s where they find joy and where their passion is ignited. I believe that meaningful interaction makes all the difference in the world to those they serve.”
Earlier this month, Trevello World Holdings announced its acquisition of North Carolina-based Gifted Travel Network (GTN), a host agency renowned for its dominance in the luxury travel sector, marking Trevello’s first step in establishing its brand in the US market.
Stewart Travel Group
Stewart Travel Group, a boutique travel agency in Charlottetown, PEI, has transitioned to new ownership: Founders Paula and Travis Stewart are partnering with Glen Kennedy and Jeni Mutch-Kennedy to ensure the continued success and growth of the company.
The new owners, Glen Kennedy, a Chartered Professional Accountant, and Jeni Mutch-Kennedy, a seasoned entrepreneur and former owner of Taylor’s Garage, bring a wealth of business acumen to Stewart Travel Group and say they will continue taking the people-centred approach the agency has become known for.
The Stewarts will remain actively involved – Travis as Director of Travel, providing leadership and expertise, and both Paula and Travis continuing to bring their personal touch to select tours as hosts. Senior travel advisor and manager of business development and talent Frances Gertsch will remain as a cornerstone of the company’s leadership team (banner photo).
“Stewart Travel Group has always been about creating meaningful travel experiences and building lasting relationships with our clients,” said Paula and Travis. “With Glen and Jeni joining our team, we are confident that the company’s future is brighter than ever. Together, we’ll blend experience and innovation to deliver exceptional service.”
New owner Glen Kennedy added, “We’re honoured to carry forward the incredible legacy that Travis and Paula have built. Our vision is to uphold the values that make Stewart Travel Group unique while exploring new opportunities to delight our clients.”
Travel Leaders Network
Travel Leaders Network has welcomed a well-known figure in the Canadian travel industry, Caroline Belgrave, as its new Business Solutions Manager for Western Canada. With over 17 years of experience in travel and hospitality, most recently served as a Business Development Manager at the host travel agency Nexion Travel Group and as a Senior Trainer at Travel Leaders Network.
Touting Belgrave’s extensive experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and personalized coaching will be key drivers in boosting membership sales and engagement, TLN VP Canada Christine James said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Caroline in her new role with Travel Leaders. We are very fortunate to have this rising star on board with the wealth of industry knowledge she brings to our company from her prior experience with Travel Leaders Network and from within the travel and tourism sector.”
Ensemble
Ensemble kicked off its annual branded event series recently with Uncharted, a day-long virtual event under the overarching “re” theme – representing rediscovery, renewal, and reinvention.
Uncharted brought together Ensemble members and top travel partners for informative sessions and virtual FAMs with some of the industry’s leading brands, including Globus, G Adventures, Princess Cruises, Explora Journeys, AmaWaterways, Hyatt Inclusive Collection, The Cove and The Reef at Atlantis, Intrepid, and more.
“This year is about reimagining what’s possible and reigniting the spirit of innovation and collaboration that sets our network apart,” said Michael Johnson, President of Ensemble. “Uncharted serves as the catalyst for our members to unlock new opportunities, gain deeper expertise, and elevate their businesses through the power of community and education.”
Complementing the daylong event, Uncharted Expo – a virtual showcase to explore new destinations, discover global partners, and access curated weekly content – will run throughout February providing the more than 900 registered members with ongoing access to a virtual expo hall featuring more than 90 partners.
Each week also features live programming designed to connect, educate, and inspire, with a variety of weekly themes, and each Tuesday will feature live panels featuring different partners and members offering expert insights and industry discussions. Adding some fun to the schedule will be trivia quizzes on Wednesdays offering members a chance to win prizes, while Thursday workshops led by the Ensemble team dive into partner programs, marketing tools, ADX – Ensemble’s proprietary all-in-one booking platform – and more.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
TravelBrands is enabling agents to maximize their earnings with car rental bookings. Through Feb. 16, the following applies to new car rental bookings commencing on or before March 31: 15% commission applied at the time of booking on all eligible rentals; $25 gas card earned for every 5th car booking made during the promotion period. The e-gift card will be sent to the booking agent at the latest departure date. The offer is available for online bookings across a wide selection of top suppliers, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Fox, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. For bookings and info, visit www.travelbrandsaccess.com.
Canadian travel advisors are being urged to unleash their selling potential with an exclusive opportunity to “Sell Your Way to the USA.” The incentive program will see 12 top-selling agents invited on one of a series of FAM trips in 2025 sponsored by Brand USA, in collaboration with Travel Nevada, Travel North Tahoe, Visit Reno, Utah Office of Tourism, Visit Salt Lake, Visit Seattle, and Travel Oregon. Agents will earn points for bookings made during the selling period from Jan. 15 – March 31, 2025. Register link HERE.
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