In the business of meetings and incentives, nothing distinguishes one company from its competitors more than its people. The CTP Group is comprised of people with competence, creativity and industry foresight – along with the aptitude and positive attitude for this demanding, service-oriented business. Our staff has been built over the years into a top-notch team of diverse talent. Everyone at The CTP Group loves what they do – and it shows!
Founded in 1977, The CTP Group has leveraged the power of travel to motivate, inform, educate, engage and inspire hundreds of organizations and thousands of travelers. In our nearly 40-year history we have handled just about every possible component involved in the delivery of flawless incentive and association travel programs, meetings and conferences; we understand the substantial business value derived from the successful operation of these events.
We’ve operated programs in over 40 countries, and have built long-standing relationships with vendors, hotels and destination management companies. This allows us to be on the cutting edge of what’s new and noteworthy, as well as pass along the absolute best value to you. We live for helping people form personal connections and engage in meaningful ways. We are excited to help you attain your business or association goals!
We believe that in a social media focused world, travel and face-to-face connections are still the most transformative ways to build and maintain relationships with your teams, clients, colleagues, and members. We know that by creating memorable travel experiences and meetings, we can inspire and enrich the lives of your valued attendees, and create the long-standing relationships necessary for success.
+ Gabriel Haigazian - President and CEO
Favorite Places I’ve Been
Every place I visit becomes my favorite for that time. I am just so in love with Traveling. If I had to choose, I would say India, Antarctica (with all the penguins and unspoiled nature), New York for its energy, and anywhere in Italy, because I love food. I’ve been lucky enough to have stepped foot on all seven continents and have traveled to over 100 countries!
Best Travel Experience
On one of our programs to India, we were walking in the streets of Jaipur when all of a sudden we rounded the corner and were swept up in an amazing spiritual procession. The people invited us to join in and we danced with them for blocks and learned their traditions. I suppose it was the closest thing to an Indian flash mob as one could experience.
Worst Travel Experience
Once, trying to get back from the Virgin Islands, all flights got canceled in Puerto Rico and I absolutely had to be back in the office. I sat at the airport for hours and finally, at the ticket counter, turned the agents screen so it faced me and showed her exactly how to get me home that day. She was amazed (and so was I, that she let me do it!)
Best Place to Watch the Sunrise
For me, I think there is nothing like watching the sunrise in India while hearing the morning call to prayers, or watching the sunrise over the Bush in Southern Africa while on Safari!
Best Place to Watch the Sunset
From the steps of Sacre Coeur in Paris. The sky goes from blue, to Red, to Pink.
Before I Die I Want to…
I want to see the return of the Concord, so I can fly in a supersonic jet and see the curvature of the earth. Or travel on Virgin Galactic. I’d love to explore more of the Middle East; see the raw beauty of Iceland and re-visit the bush in Kenya.
+ Howard Wise - Vice President of Operations
How many years have you been doing this?
20+ years
Name one thing that inspires you in this career?
The ability to to “wow” our guests with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Favorite program?
Lake Como and Venice
One thing you can’t travel abroad without?
Motion sickness remedies
What’s in your carry-on?
Noise canceling headphones and a Kindle
Most memorable meal abroad?
Lunch at Ristorante Donna Sofia in Sorrento, Italy. Incredible pasta dishes!
What do you usually bring home as a souvenir?
Local foods and culinary items
Favorite airport?
Vancouver – It’s so clean you could eat off the floor.
How do you deal with jet-lag?
Not very well 😉
How many countries have you visited?
17… and counting!
Best place to watch the sunset?
Capri, Italy
What’s next?
Amsterdam
+ Whitney Chen - Program Manager
Favorite program?
Privatizing a small cruise ship and traveling through the Italian and French Rivieras one year, Turkey and Greece the next. A once-in-a-lifetime trip that we’ve done twice!
One thing you can’t travel abroad without?
Noise-canceling headphones
What’s in your carry-on?
Headphones, fluffy plane socks, antibacterial wipes (can’t get sick when you’ve got a program to operate!), face wipes, toothbrush/paste.
Most memorable meal abroad?
Any meal in Turkey or Greece. During a quick cruise stop in Symi, Greece, we set up a cooking lesson for lunch at a charming restaurant on the harbor. Our group made the most delicious and fresh greek food I’ve ever tasted. Tzatziki and spanakopita will never taste the same.
How do you deal with jet-lag?
I force myself to stay awake until I can fall asleep at the right time. It usually takes me about a week to get back on my usual schedule when I return from a trip abroad. Days 2 & 3 are the worst!
Favorite “locals only” experience?
On an incentive program to India in 2016, we happened to be there during Diwali which is one of their biggest holidays of the year. Instead of taking the group to some formal generic restaurant somewhere, we took our guests to the home of a local family to celebrate. The home was decorated with thousands of candles, colorful flower garlands and we watched local dancers perform in the backyard of their estate. We set off fireworks, had an amazing meal, and experienced the holiday as the locals do. I will never forget that experience!
What do you usually bring home as a souvenir?
I always bring home a cheesy magnet; easy to pack and they bring back memories everytime I open the fridge. I also save all my boarding passes.
How many countries have you visited?
26 and counting
Favorite place you’ve been (so far)?
Peru, U.A.E., Sweden… I can’t pick just one!
Best place to watch the sunset?
Santorini, Greece
+ Ellen Gruetzmacher - Program Manager
How many countries have you visited?
21 – but I’m just getting started!
Best Place to Watch the Sunrise
I’m not really a sunrise kinda’ gal (I DO love my sleep!), but the Taj Mahal at sunrise was really quite spectacular!
Best place to watch the sunset?
Honestly, one of the best places is in Shell Beach, California – along the Central Coast (my former home for many years). It truly is beautiful!
Favorite place you’ve been (so far)?
Every place I go is my favorite. I can always find something amazing and transformational at every destination. I think my newest favorite is South Africa - Capetown, Stellenbosch, and a safari in Kruger - hard to compete with all that!
Most memorable meal abroad?
I love food! Almost every meal is memorable! I have to say, though, that I’m a dessert lover, so that’s what I really look forward to at each destination.
Before I Die I Want to…
I want to visit all the UNESCO World Heritage sites - every single one!
+ Marilyn Murphy - Founder
How many years have you been doing this?
Started off way back in 1980 as an “International Travel Specialist” with EF MacDonald Travel Company in Dayton, Ohio … one of the legacy incentive companies who started it all.
Name one thing that inspires you in this career?
The opportunity to create experiences to surprise and delight people – and make the sponsoring company look good.
One thing you can’t travel abroad without?
My sense of awe and adventure. Everything else can be purchased locally.
What’s in your carry-on?
BOSE noise-canceling headphones and (hopefully) a fresh AAA battery.
Most memorable meal abroad?
Another hard question! One possible answer: a Warm Duck Salad served at a luncheon at a restaurant at Franz Josef Glacier in a remote part of New Zealand. Expectations, naturally, were not high at a place like that. Many of my incentive group (including me) ordered seconds. I’ve never forgotten it!
Favorite airport?
LAX. Not because it’s so great – but because it’s home.
How do you deal with jet-lag?
What jet lag? I just conform to the local time and ignore what time it is “back home.”
Favorite “locals only” experience?
Eating a “meals” (flaming-hot curry and rice served on a banana leaf, eaten with my right hand) at a local place in Sri Lanka, where I was the only white person for miles around … with an audience of local villagers encouraging me to consume every last bite (with watery eyes and runny nose because it was SO spicy).
How many countries have you visited?
66 – and counting!
Favorite place you’ve been (so far)?
If I have to pick only one place, I always say India.
Best place to watch the sunset?
Wherever it’s setting and I have a quiet moment to appreciate another day . . .
What’s next?
As of this writing, what’s next is almost three months of traveling nowhere – a rare block of time to stay home, enjoy my home and family, and get caught up and organized!
