Responsible Tourism Is Top Issue for Travel Advisors: Ensemble CEO
Photo Credit: Shown here are the endless crowds in Barcelona. At the Ensemble Travel Group’s 2019 International Conference Oct. 22–27 in Seattle, CEO David Harris called upon travel advisors to assume responsibility for directing clients to less heavily touristed destinations. Flickr / Tony Silveira
Skift Take
Ensemble Travel Group demonstrated a clear commitment at its 2019 International Conference by driving home the message that sustainability and climate change are the biggest issues facing the travel industry today. That the consortium took steps to offset the conference's own carbon footprint shows it's talking the talk.
With the theme of Travel With Purpose, Ensemble Travel Group's 2019 International Conference delivered an intense message about the need for sustainable and responsible tourism. The vital role that everyone in the travel industry — travel advisors as well as suppliers — has to play was driven home throughout the conference, most prominently by Ensemble's new CEO David Harris.
More than just talking the talk, Ensemble announced a new partnership with Cool Effect, a company dedicated to reducing the impact of carbon emissions. Through the use of Cool Effect's Travel Offset Tool, travel advisors will be able to assist clients in offsetting their carbon footprint from air travel.
Ensemble Travel, which earlier this year mandated that all members join the American Society of Travel Advisors, also announced it would give members financial help in receiving certification from The Travel Institute. Under Harris' leadership, it's evident that the consortium is w
