Envoyage’s flagship global event, Worldwide, has once again raised the bar for the travel industry, uniting over 400 travel professionals from five countries for a profoundly immersive and future-focused gathering.
As the only truly global network of independent travel agencies and advisors, Envoyage recently hosted Worldwide in Sun City, South Africa, bringing together industry partners and members from the group’s five core markets: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA.
This year’s theme, “Beyond Every Journey,” emphasised the brand’s focus on enabling and empowering travel advisors and agencies within the Envoyage network to build future-fit businesses and explore opportunities for growth and transformation. Worldwide is a celebration of endurance, entrepreneurialism, and engagement, and this event is quickly becoming one of the industry’s most anticipated forums for forward-thinking travel professionals, exclusively open to Envoyage members and partners.
A Movement, Not Just a Network
Danielle Galloway, Global Managing Director of Luxury and Independent Brands at Flight Centre Travel Group (ASX:FLT), which includes Envoyage, set the tone with her keynote address: “Standing still is the greatest danger of all.” This message encapsulated the spirit of the conference, reflecting Envoyage’s brand promise to “unlock limitless possibilities for every journey” and empower travel entrepreneurs to prosper amidst rapid change.
Envoyage’s network has grown from AUD$30 million in sales in 2018 to AUD$2.4 billion today, now encompassing over 3,500 members across five markets.
Innovation in Action
Worldwide 2025 was lauded by Envoyage attendees for delivering business inspiration and hands-on advice for travel professionals.
“Worldwide 2025 was an absolutely inspiring and energising event. It was more than just a conference – it was a gathering of passionate people in travel, hospitality, and business coming together to learn, connect, and share new ideas. The atmosphere was electric, and the sense of community reminded me why I love being in this industry. The highlight for me was connecting face-to-face with colleagues, partners, and industry leaders,” said Chantel Goncalves, Flight Centre Independent.
This year’s highlights included:
- AI and Technology Workshops: Multiple sessions offered actionable insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping client service and opportunities to leverage AI-driven marketing and business intelligence.
- Lions’ Lair Pitch Competition: Five Envoyage members from around the world pitched innovative business ideas to expert judges. Chad Naylor (Australia) won with a concept that harnessed AI to enhance client communication and service.
- Partner Showcase and Worldwide Connects: With over 100 industry partners representing more than 50 brands, Envoyage members formed valuable connections and explored shared objectives during one-on-one meetings.
Kieran de Vries, Head of Sales, The Travel Corporation, said: “Brilliant sessions, amazing networking, and unforgettable evenings. I was blown away by the energy and excellence of this event.”
Joseph Sithole, Account Manager, Virgin Atlantic, agreed: “The Envoyage global conference was an amazing experience. It was a privilege to engage and network with the Envoyage teams from around the world. Conferences like these remind us why collaboration and partnership matter most and create unforgettable journeys for all our customers.”
The Envys Awards
The gala event – The Envys – honoured the top-performing members and agencies around the globe, celebrating their outstanding industry contributions. This year’s winners included:
- Customer Service Excellence: Ane Steyn, Flight Centre Independent, South Africa
- Leadership in Regenerative & Accessible Tourism: xtravel, New Zealand
- Destination or Product Specialist of the Year: Christine Wilson, Envoyage, Canada
- Best Marketing Initiative: Sam & Clive Fillingham, Envoyage, Australia
- Community Impact Award: Adam Taylor, Altitude Travel, Canada
- Rising Star: Lisa Zilli, Concierge Boutique Travel, USA
- Travel Entrepreneur of the Year: Belle Goldie, The Cruise & Travel Store, Australia
- Top Advisor Member of the Year – Australia: Brad Thomas, Spotlight Entertainment Travel
- Top Agency Member of the Year – Australia: Sportslink
- Top Member of the Year – USA: Sherriann Keaton, Live 2 Travel
- Top Member of the Year – Canada: Julie Smigadis, Travel Our World
- Top Member of the Year – New Zealand: xtravel
- Top Advisor Member of the Year – South Africa: Bernice Giliomee, Flight Centre Independent
- Top Agency of the Year – South Africa: Global Explore
The Independent Revolution
A defining theme of the event was the meteoric rise of the independent advisor, and Envoyage’s role as the home of the travel entrepreneur at every stage of their journey. Envoyage advisors enjoy the freedom to keep a significant share of commissions plus the world-class support and community of a truly global network. The brand’s message is clear: “Being independent doesn’t mean being alone.”
Galloway expressed her pride in the network:
“We are deeply grateful to all the members and partners who attended Worldwide 2025. Together, we are not just navigating change, we’re driving it forward. The Worldwide theme, ‘Beyond Every Journey’ is a powerful call to our members to embrace innovation and fuel business growth. Every moment of Worldwide exemplified our collective goal to propel the travel industry towards a brighter, more innovative future.”
For more information about Envoyage and membership opportunities, visit www.envoyagegroup.com
