JOHANNESBURG, 19 October 2023 – 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, Global Managing Director, FCTG Independent and Premium Divisions 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.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kim Taylor, Big Ambitions
Phone: +27 (0)76 825 5508
Email: kim@bigambitions.co.za
About Flight Centre and FCTG Independent
After starting with one shop in the early 1980s, Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) (ASX:FLT), has enjoyed remarkable growth to become a $20 billion business consisting of more than 30 brands. One of the world’s largest travel agency groups, it has company-owned operations in 23 countries and a corporate travel management network that spans more than 90 countries. FCTG was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1995 (ASX: FLT). Flight Centre Travel Group employs more than 11,000 people globally.
FCTG Independent is a global network of over 1,400 independent travel agents and agencies across the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
