Ensemble Travel Group Partners with Collette for Major Make-A-Wish Fundraising Campaign
Ensemble Travel Group has announced a groundbreaking Ensemble Travel Group partnership with Collette Travel in an ambitious philanthropic initiative aimed at raising $150,000 for Make-A-Wish America and Make-A-Wish Canada. This significant collaboration represents a major commitment to supporting critically ill children across North America through the power of travel experiences.
Record-Breaking Fundraising Goals Drive Industry Support
The comprehensive fundraising campaign has already garnered substantial backing from Ensemble’s extensive network of travel professionals. Leading contributors including Fareconnect, Crown Cruise Vacations, Goldrush Getaways, and Go Travel Company have demonstrated the travel industry’s collective commitment to charitable causes. The initiative specifically targets fulfilling 14 wishes for children battling life-threatening medical conditions in both the United States and Canada.
What sets this campaign apart is its matching donation structure, where Ensemble’s parent company has committed to doubling contributions, effectively maximizing the impact of every dollar raised. This approach could potentially generate up to $300,000 in total support for Make-A-Wish organizations, representing one of the largest single fundraising efforts in the travel consortium’s history.
Collette Travel’s Strategic Philanthropic Vision
Collette Travel, renowned for its diverse portfolio of guided tours and travel experiences, has positioned itself as the primary matching donor in this partnership. Melissa Snape, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Collette, emphasized the natural alignment between the collaboration and the Collette Foundation’s core mission. “Supporting Make-A-Wish alongside Ensemble and our broader travel community resonates deeply with our fundamental values, offering solace and hope to those most in need during their most challenging times,” Snape stated.
The partnership leverages Collette’s extensive experience in creating memorable travel experiences, particularly relevant given that travel-related wishes comprise over 75% of all Make-A-Wish requests. This statistic underscores the critical role that travel industry partnerships play in fulfilling children’s dreams and providing hope during difficult medical journeys.
Strategic Launch at Ensemble Summit
The Ensemble Travel Group partnership was officially unveiled at the prestigious Ensemble Summit in October 2025, an exclusive gathering designed for travel agency owners and managers. The timing of this announcement positioned the initiative as a centerpiece of Ensemble’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and industry leadership.
The summit provided an ideal platform for rallying support among Ensemble’s network, with attendees immediately responding with pledges and commitments. This grassroots approach has proven instrumental in building momentum for the campaign, creating a sense of community ownership and shared purpose among participating travel professionals.
Horizons 2026: Celebrating Impact and Achievement
The campaign will reach its crescendo at the highly anticipated Horizons 2026 meeting, scheduled for May 4-7, 2026, at Resorts World Las Vegas. This flagship event, themed “Bring it On,” will serve as both a celebration of industry achievements and a demonstration of travel’s transformative power through philanthropy.
Las Vegas, chosen for its accessibility and world-class meeting facilities, will host hundreds of travel industry professionals who will witness the culmination of months of dedicated fundraising efforts. The event promises to showcase not only the financial success of the campaign but also the tangible impact on Make-A-Wish recipients and their families.
Industry Leadership and Future Impact
Michael Johnson, President of Ensemble Travel Group, highlighted the broader implications of this collaboration for travel industry philanthropy. “Ensemble’s rich history with Make-A-Wish speaks to the incredible outcomes born from united, purpose-driven efforts within our industry,” Johnson remarked. His comments reflect Ensemble’s long-standing commitment to leveraging travel’s unique ability to create transformative experiences.
The partnership sets a new standard for industry collaboration, demonstrating how travel companies can unite around shared values while maintaining competitive business relationships. This model may inspire similar initiatives across other travel industry segments, potentially expanding philanthropic impact throughout the sector.
As the campaign progresses toward its 2026 conclusion, the Ensemble Travel Group partnership with Collette represents more than fundraising success. It embodies the travel industry’s recognition of its unique position to fulfill dreams and create lasting memories for those facing life’s greatest challenges. This initiative promises to establish a lasting legacy of compassion and community impact that extends far beyond the Las Vegas celebration.
