INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Ensemble Travel Group announced phase two of the relaunch of its consumer website, which is search engine optimized and ultimately will enable consumers to connect with Ensemble member agents.
The first phase, finished in August, was a revamp of the website’s look and content. It describes the benefits of working with a travel agency, examples of preferred partners and descriptions of types of travel by destination, interest and style.
The site also has an animated feature about the value of using a travel agent. It has a content form for consumers to use to find an agent.
The second phase will feature an agency locator and search function based on proximity, travel style, travel interest or destination.
Agent profiles are integral to the second phase. A consumer looking for a destination specialist will see a list of agents.
Consumers will be able to select an agent based on agents’ profile, which include not just area of specialization but languages spoken and travel philosophy. Ensemble is calling on agents to update their profiles.
“We need your help in updating your extranet profile, especially your primary destinations,” said Ensemble co-president Lindsay Pearlman at the agency group's annual conference.
The relaunch will be fully functional in a few months, after Ensemble members upload their profiles, Ensemble said.
Other consortia have made agent profiles the centerpiece of lead-generation efforts. Travel Leaders Associates franchise group and Virtuoso have such lead-generation programs, and some of these leads result in sales of $20,000 and more.