For the first global conference, FCTG Independent expects approximately 500 travel advisors, staff and sponsors to gather for this exciting event. The program will include individual country days, a supplier expo, plus plenary sessions and events for the entire congregation.
JOHANNESBURG – FCTG’s Independent Division is launching their first ever global conference, bringing together independent travel agency owners and mobile advisors from across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and South Africa. Just this week, they revealed the conference will be held in Santiago, Chile from May 1-4, 2024. The FCTG Independent team are beginning to connect their network of independent advisors from around the world this November 2023 at their inaugural Independent Icons trip – a reward for their top 10 agencies and agents from each country. This year, they’re chartering a Uniworld ship to sail from Budapest to Vienna.
Danielle Galloway, Global Managing Director, FCTG Independent and Luxury Divisions shared, “We cannot wait to gather in Santiago for our very first global independent conference. As the only truly global independent network, we believe the opportunity to bring everyone together is too special to pass up. We hope to make this an annual event for our international community of leading travel advisors and agency owners. There is so much that the travel entrepreneurs in our network can gain from connecting with their peers in other nations. Having one conference for all markets also opens new opportunities for our valued supplier partners. Our team are hard at work planning an exceptional program and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Santiago in 2024.”
Leading independent travel consultants get ready for Icons 2023
Also, top achievers from across FCTG’s Independent businesses globally are getting ready to depart on the very first Independent Icons trip, where they will have full reign of Uniworld’s S.S. Beatrice for four nights as they sail from Budapest to Vienna.
76 travel advisors and agency owners from 55 independent agencies across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and South Africa will meet for the first global independent agent gathering of its kind.
Joining these high performers onboard will be representatives from Uniworld, TTC Tour Brands, Adventure World, Lindblad Expeditions, Cover More, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Expedia TAAP, and Inclusive Collection, Part of the World of Hyatt.
Other sponsors who have supported the event and will make a virtual appearance include Intrepid, AAT Kings, Back Roads Touring, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Independent advisors and their guests will enjoy a choice of excursions every day, including an exclusive outing to enjoy one of Trafalgar’s By My Guest experiences at a local winery with lunch in Budapest, hosted by TTC Tour Brands. They will also enjoy an after party with special surprises hosted from afar by Singapore Airlines.
In keeping with FCTG’s commitment to sustainability, Icons 2023 will be offset through a partnership with Allianz and Trees4Travel. The total carbon emissions of the journey will be estimated and offset through contributions made to a reforestation project in Nepal. Each individual participant will also have the opportunity to enter their specific travel details to ensure a more accurate measure, with the goal of being 100% carbon neutral.
“We are very excited to represent South Africa on Uniworld’s S.S. Beatrice and take part in this celebratory trip. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our ITCs and those attending are well-deserving of the exclusive opportunity to attend Independent Icons,” says Chantal Gouws, General Manager Flight Centre Independent Brands.
Danielle Galloway says: “Our team and global network of independent travel entrepreneurs are brimming with excitement for our first Icons event this November. “This exclusive experience provides a unique setting for our leading advisors from around the world to connect with and learn from each other, as well as some of our most valuable suppliers and our global leadership team. We are confident our sponsors and advisors will forge valuable connections and make incredible memories while experiencing a truly special event that has been designed just for them,” Galloway concludes.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
