Ensemble Travel Group held its International Conference from October 23-27 at the Hyatt Regency Seattle where it focused on an overall theme of Travel With Purpose. Featuring panels and speakers on topics relating to sustainable travel and how the company and industry can promote responsible travel, the conference was the venue to announce several new programs and initiatives.

In his opening remarks, Ensemble’s CEO David Harris announced that after more than 50 years in business, the company celebrated its best year in 2018. This year Preferred Supplier sales from members will eclipse $1.4 billion – which represents 8% year over year growth.

Harris also referenced new analytics that show Ensemble’s footprint is actually double of what had previously been assumed with at least $4 billion of business. This was because they had previously only tracked managed business to accurately compensate shareholders. But that was to the detriment of capturing the full value of their unmanaged business - the Total Travel Value - which puts the number closer to being a $4 billion business.

With its focus on sustainability and traveling with purpose, Ensemble has tried to maintain that approach in all aspects of the conference. For example, instead of using posters and easels, they used chalkboards. In addition, the team uniform T-shirts were made from recycled water bottles and each attendee was provided a reusable water bottle with refill water stations being found all around the venue to avoide single use plastic water bottles. The conference tote bags were made from a product called “jute” which is plant fibers. Ensemble is also donating the 60 laptops used at the conference to Interconnection, an organization that provides technology to underserved communities around the world.

Harris also announced a partnership with Travel Care Code, an initiative of a network of academics and professionals committed to encouraging responsible travel. The campaign works with travel companies and guests alike to provide guidelines on how they can reduce the impact of their travel on the environment. This includes a range of activities from supporting local communities to disposing of waste and protecting natural surroundings.

At the annual Ensemble Conference Gala, Harris announced the recipients of the first ever Purpose Awards. Recognizing Ensemble partners who are taking leadership positions in caring for the environment, local community and protecting local heritage, the voting was conducted by Zane Kerby, CEO of ASTA, and Greg Takahera, CEO of Tourism Cares.

Inaugural Purpose Award recipients included:

- G Adventures – Caring for the Community

- Air New Zealand – Caring for the Environment

- The Travel Corporation -Protecting Local Heritage

- Lindblad Expeditions - Caring for Community, Environment and Protecting Local Heritage

This year, to align with the theme Travel with Purpose, Ensemble gave back in more ways than in previous years at conference. Fulfilling its longstanding commitment to using the conference as a vehicle to raise money for charities, Ensemble is in its 9th year of holding an auction with proceeds going to the Make A Wish Foundation.

In addition, three trips were acutioned off to specifically benefit Tourism Cares Disaster Relief Fund supporting those directly impacted by Hurrican Dorian. A raffle drawing was also held with proceeds going to benefit WE.org in support of the Water Pillar in Lugumek, Kenya. The funds raised will help to support the construction of latrines in the community, which are a vital part of creating a healthy and sanitary environment for students to learn. This particularly ensures that young women are able to attend school because they have a private, clean space to use.

Capping off several days of speakers, panels training workshops, and a tradeshow, Ensemble also honored the top producers and suppliers at its annual Circle of Excellence Gala.

Ensemble also announced the selection of Harrah’s Casino Hotel and Caesar’s Forum as the site for its 2020 International Conference to be held from October 5-9, 2020.