Harris & Johnson Say Members Are “Embracing The New Ensemble”

“We’re in a really good spot,” says David Harris, Executive Chairman of Ensemble.

TravelPulse Canada caught up with Harris and Ensemble President Michael Johnson a year after the consortium – a cooperative for over 50 years – was acquired by Navigatr Group.

ADVERTISING

At the time, Johnson said: “Travel has evolved and it’s time the consortium did too. Ensemble is the 50-year-old new kid on the block.”

Although 95% of the former cooperative’s shareholders voted in favor of the acquisition, it still was a tumultuous time for Ensemble, especially as it happened just as the pandemic that devastated the travel industry was beginning to release its hold.


Ensemble Travel Group CEO David Harris
Ensemble Travel Group has named David Harris as CEO, a newly-created position. He’ll be based in Toronto.

“We had to prove ourselves,” says Harris. “We’re thrilled with where we are.”

During a conversation at last October’s Ensemble agency owners and

…

Bishops Lodge Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Looking for a relaxing getaway tucked in the scenic mountains of Santa Fe, New Mexico? Look no further than the Auberge Collection Bishops Lodge Resort, where the stunning views and relaxing atmosphere will take your breath away! This luxurious resort is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, set against a picturesque backdrop of the New Mexico mountains. Let’s take a closer look at all that Bishops Lodge Resort has to offer.

Accommodations:Guest room at Bishop's Lodge

Bishop’s Lodge Resort has splendid rooms, all featuring a comfortable and airy setting with a Western touch to it. The rooms are well furnished with all the modern amenities one could ask for, like a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a Kiva fireplace, and a stocked mini-fridge highlighting New Mexican offerings. There’s a coffee maker that uses Nespresso capsules and a clothes steamer both of which I really appreciate! From what I could

…

A Luxury Escape to Mokara Hotel & Spa San Antonio

Looking for a luxury hotel and spa that offers an immersive experience of San Antonio’s rich historical heritage? Well, there’s no place better than Mokara Hotel & Spa San Antonio! Nestled in the heart of the city, this luxurious hotel features stunning views of the iconic San Antonio Riverwalk and is minutes away from some of the city’s most famous landmarks, making it the perfect location to explore the city. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of this beautiful hotel and spa, highlighting the unique features that it offers.

Rooms and SuitesMokara San Antonio

I was ecstatic when I saw my room. Mokara Hotel & Spa San Antonio boasts 99 luxuriously furnished rooms and suites. Every room provides ample space for guests with high ceilings and high-quality bedding. The room décor is warm and inviting, and it includes many modern conveniences, including a flat-screen television, a fully

…

Royal Caribbean responds after a video shows cruise ship passengers hit by flying deck chairs during a storm

Cruise company responds to viral video

Royal Caribbean responded after the cruise ship passengers were hit by flying deck chairs during a severe storm

A Central Florida travel agent is concerned with how Royal Caribbean handled a severe storm, saying it could turn passengers away from future trips.

FOX 35 was sent a video from aboard the Independence of the Seas cruise ship last Friday. Passengers on board were caught in a severe thunderstorm, causing damage and forcing people to scramble looking for safety.

Travel experts say passengers put a lot of trust in cruises when booking vacations, and this isn’t how you maintain that trust. In several videos, you can hear everyone screaming and see dozens running trying to find shelter.

It was a chaotic scene, and Kyleigh Cole was shocked that it even happened in the first place.

“There’s always something you can do, other than just letting

…
Fun Things to Do With Teenagers in Dallas, Texas

Fun Things to Do With Teenagers in Dallas, Texas

I’m excited to talk to you all about some of the great things to do with your teenagers in Dallas, Texas. As a parent of two teenagers myself, I know how difficult it can be to find activities that feel age-appropriate yet also enjoyable for all involved. Luckily, Dallas is chock-full of amazing opportunities that will make for the perfect family outing. From thrilling amusement parks to unique museums, there’s something for everyone!

1. Visit Six Flags Over TexasFun Things to Do With Teenagers in Dallas, Texas

Six Flags Over Texas is a superb place to take your teenagers when they crave adventure. It has some of the wildest rides around, including some of the best roller coasters in the nation. While there, don’t forget to check out the Hurricane Harbor water park for refreshing fun on hot summer days.

2. Bowls and BarrelsBowls and Barrels

If you’re looking for a fun spot to take your teenager bowling, I suggest

…

15 Fun Things to do with Toddlers in Las Vegas

As a mom, I know how challenging it can be to find things to do with young children while on vacation. Las Vegas may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of a family-friendly destination, but there are actually lots of fantastic activities for toddlers and their parents to enjoy in this vibrant city. I should know because we lived in Vegas when Jonah was a toddler.

In this blog post, I’ll share some of my top recommendations for fun things to do with toddlers in Las Vegas. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these activities are sure to delight your little ones and create lasting family memories. To plan your entire trip check out our 5 Day Las Vegas Itinerary for Families with Younger Kids. Also, make sure to read this before taking kids to Las Vegas: 9 Tips For Visiting Las Vegas

…

Startup Trava working on generative AI for travel agents: Travel Weekly

San Francisco-based startup Trava is developing a digital platform for travel advisors that seeks to enhance their productivity in key areas using generative artificial intelligence (AI).

“There are a lot of companies that are now trying to build a chatbot for travel and basically replace the travel agent,” said Trava co-founder and CEO Katka Opocenska. “That is just not going to happen — the quality is not there.”

Trava generates an initial trip plan based on guidelines from advisors, including hotel pricing for specific dates.

Trava generates an initial trip plan based on guidelines from advisors, including hotel pricing for specific dates. Photo Credit: Trava

Instead, he said, Trava is aiming to augment travel advisors across several key areas of trip planning — client onboarding, planning and itinerary-building — with AI that will make their jobs easier and increase their productivity.

Opocenska’s background is in technology, and she had previous roles at Google and Sonder. Co-founders Mike Kitson and Steve Coffey, who are chief technology officer and

…

INTERVIEW: Zeina Gedeon on industry highs & lows, and why travel advisors “are the heart of our business”

Travelweek: How would you sum up the main differences between the Canadian travel industry now versus when you first started out?

Gedeon: “Wow, I’m not sure how to answer that without admitting that I have been in the business for a very long time – over 30 years!

“Since first starting out in 1989, the travel industry has undergone significant changes due to technological advancements, globalization and changing consumer preferences. We have come a long way from writing tickets and manually calculating fares. Now, we can find anything while sitting at our desks. But this doesn’t mean it’s easier – definitely faster, but it’s also brought many challenges to our industry.

“The Internet has played a huge role in changing the way we work, customer behavior and knowledge. Social media has become a major influencer in our industry with platforms like Instagram, Facebook and more. I remember the days we

…

Center Holidays: A Host Agency With A Family-Based Approach

Host agencies come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are loud and proud, with a strong focus on recruitment and delivering ever-more revenue to preferred partners. Others go about their business more quietly, content with organic member growth and encouraging success through support.

Center Holidays falls into the latter category. With about 270 agent members, it’s not small, but you won’t see an aggressive approach to recruitment.

ADVERTISING

“My approach has always been different,” said Carlton Montaut, who co-founded a retail agency by Barbara Sasiadek in March 2003 and in 2009 established itself as a host travel agency for home based travel agents across Canada.

“We don’t do mass-recruiting. We train individuals one-on-one to ensure the service they offer is superb, and we support them in a wide variety of ways. We treat everyone as a family member.”

The family approach is fitting, as several key members of

…

Mar-A-Lago Workers Moved Boxes Of Papers Before An FBI Visit: Reports

Two employees at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort moved boxes of papers around the property a day before FBI agents and a federal prosecutor visited in their effort to recover classified documents, multiple media outlets reported Thursday.

The Washington Post first reported that a maintenance employee at the Florida club told federal prosecutors he saw Trump’s valet, Walt Nauta, move the boxes on June 2, 2022, into a storage area before he offered boxes to help without knowing what the contents contained. That same day, a lawyer for Trump contacted the Justice Department and said DOJ officials could come to Mar-a-Lago to pick up classified files, people familiar with the investigation told the newspaper.

Jay Bratt, a top prosecutor for the Justice Department, traveled to Mar-a-Lago on June 3 and was handed a batch of classified files and a signed letter attesting that a search had been carried out

…