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Every year in the United States, an estimated 250,000 children fall victim to sex trafficking—a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect vulnerable youth from exploitation.
Eleven years ago, EmpireCLS became the first global ground transportation company to partner with PACT (formerly ECPAT-USA) by signing The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct. This groundbreaking set of voluntary business principles helps travel and tourism companies prevent child sex trafficking.
Founded in 1991, PACT is the leading U.S. organization dedicated to ending the commercial sexual exploitation of children. As part of the global ECPAT network, PACT collaborates across industries—particularly in travel and tourism, sectors that are often unknowingly exploited by traffickers—to provide companies with the tools and training needed to recognize trafficking and take action.
Since 2014, we have introduced robust companywide policies and procedures designed to protect children:
EmpireCLS proudly sponsored the 2025 Freedom Awards: Making a Lasting ImPACT, an event honoring individuals making meaningful strides in child protection and the prevention of trafficking. The evening powerfully reaffirmed our shared commitment with PACT to safeguard children.
Protecting children from trafficking requires constant vigilance, education, and action. Our 11-year partnership with PACT exemplifies how the private sector and advocacy groups can unite to make a difference. At EmpireCLS, we remain dedicated to safeguarding children, empowering our employees, and inspiring industry-wide change.
In the world of luxury travel, there’s an unspoken rhythm—a cadence shaped by the seamless choreography of service. Behind every effortless itinerary is a network of professionals working in harmony. At EmpireCLS, we’re proud to move in step with the world’s leading travel agencies, whose advisors curate unforgettable experiences and shape each journey with purpose. That’s why this year’s recognition from two of the industry’s most prestigious names is especially meaningful.
EmpireCLS is delighted to share that we’ve been named “Specialty Partner of the Year” at the 2025 Global Travel Collection Partner Awards, held during the ARRIVE conference in Phoenix. As the world’s largest network of international luxury travel agencies, Global Travel Collection brings together the industry’s most discerning travel advisors—experts who craft superior adventures for leisure travelers, corporate leaders, and the entertainment world alike.
“What makes this prestigious award even more special is that it’s voted on by the travel advisors of GTC, and we couldn’t be more humbled and grateful to be the recipient,” said Gary Stevens, Vice President of Sales at EmpireCLS. “We deeply value the trust GTC advisors place in our team to deliver a consistently elevated level of service for their clients.”
Angie Licea, President of Global Travel Collection, captured the spirit of the event, saying, “What makes these awards stand out is the mutual admiration behind them: our advisors lifting up our partners, and our partners shining a light on our advisors. It’s more than recognition—it’s a reflection of the trust, teamwork and excellence that power GTC.”
The GTC Partner Awards celebrate the advisors and partners who redefine what’s possible in luxury travel. To be chosen by this community is a reminder of why we do what we do: not just to move people from one destination to the next, but to be part of something bigger—a global ecosystem of excellence, care, and connection.
Adding to this incredible moment, we’re thrilled to share that EmpireCLS is also a finalist nominee for “Best Specialty Partner” at the 2025 Virtuoso Global Travel Awards, held in August during Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas.
Virtuoso is a premier global network of luxury travel advisors renowned for crafting extraordinary, personalized journeys that transform planning travel into an art form. This nomination is a powerful recognition of our team’s unwavering commitment to serving Virtuoso advisors and their discerning clients— building on the momentum from our consecutive Virtuoso award wins for “Highest Annual Growth of a Specialty Partner” in 2024 and 2025.
To be recognized by both GTC and Virtuoso with these distinguished honors reflects the meaningful partnerships we’ve built over the years with the travel industry’s most respected professionals, and we remain deeply grateful for their trust and support.
Thank you to the GTC and Virtuoso communities. We are honored to be your luxury chauffeured transportation partner—dedicated to delivering unparalleled experiences, every mile of the way.
