Ensemble Travel® Group launches one source solution incorporating Contac's
eConcierge™ and Travel Agency Desktop Solution platforms

VANCOUVER, Nov. 16 /CNW/ - Contac Services Inc., Canada's leading source for end to end data driven communication and supply chain solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its eConcierge and Travel Agency Desktop Solution platforms with Ensemble Travel Group. This landmark partnership signifies further success for Contac, as it is the first time an industry leader has adopted both platforms simultaneously.

Ensemble clients immediately benefit with the eConcierge Platform. For every Ensemble client that books a trip, eConcierge creates a personalized website (PURL) which is dynamically generated based upon their unique trip itinerary. Accessible online, the eConcierge platform is a complete and engaging vacation resource for Ensemble clients. In addition to providing essential destination information, virtual tours, flight and weather reports, eConcierge offers the convenience of booking accommodations, entertainment, travel insurance, and restaurant reservations online. Clients can also purchase Lonely Planet™ guide books and the latest travel gear and accessories that are both stylish and functional, while additional applications allow guests to create and print customized photo books once they return home. eConcierge, fully integrated with social networking sites such as Facebook, allows travellers to share their uploaded holiday photos and itinerary details with family and friends.

"The Ensemble eConcierge PURL Program enables our members to enhance their clients' travel experience with relevant additional products and services," said Lindsay Pearlman, President of Ensemble Travel Group, Canada. "The additional revenue opportunity and improved customer retention compliments the ever-growing collection of effective Ensemble Travel's exclusive programs. More importantly, it keeps our agencies top of mind with their customer base."

The eConcierge and Travel Agency Desktop Solution platforms, also accessible from the new Ensemble Boutique website (ensembleboutique.ca), facilitate a complete end-to-end supply chain management solution for printing, procurement, logistics and client retention by integrating all of these functions into one centralized online portal. This single source solution streamlines Ensemble's business operations and offers an easy-to-use, cost-effective means of supporting its busy travel professionals.

"This platform will allow us to control the management of our materials while ensuring brand consistency across our network of over 450 travel agencies in Canada with the click of a button," said Pearlman.

"We're thrilled that Ensemble is leveraging both platforms to provide a single source solution that will transform their supply chain management and enrich customer retention at the agency level," says Contac's President and CEO, Riaz Pisani. "While eConcierge offers an unparalleled means to interact with their customers, increase referrals and diversify revenues, the new Procurement site is a revolutionary single source provider that drives procurement activities for Ensemble."

The Ensemble eConcierge and Travel Agency Desktop Solution platforms are now available in more than 450 locations across Canada.

About Ensemble Travel® Group
Founded in 1968, Ensemble Travel® Group is a proactive, member-owned international organization of approximately 850 professional travel agencies in Canada and the U.S. With a membership that represents billions of dollars in travel sales each year, Ensemble Travel Group has achieved a 40+-year record of boosting members' profits and delivering high-volume sales to its preferred suppliers. To learn more about Ensemble Travel Group, call [phone] or visit www.ensembletravel.ca.

About Contac Services Inc.
Contac is a global, multi-disciplinary leader specializing in one to one data driven communication and supply chain management. Contac blends its full suite of products and services with state of the art technology to provide completely integrated solutions that give clients winning and measurable results. In its 35th year of business, Contac provides a comprehensive range of products and services to major brands around the world across its eConcierge, supply chain management, online marketing, and travel technology platforms to build brand and customer loyalty.  For more information, visit our web site at www.contacservices.com.

For further information:

Media Inquiries:

Ensemble Travel® Group
Federica Maraboli
Marketing Communications Manager
416.367.3660
[email protected]

Contac Services
Holly McLennan
Marketing & Communications Manager
604.637-6671
[email protected]