And the winner is…More than 2,200 Flighties and trade partners touched down in Bangkok, Thailand, for Flight Centre Travel Group’s highly anticipated Global Gathering 2026 from 10–12 July. Find out what went down during the three-day company-wide event and where next year’s event will land.
The annual conference and incentive event – themed ‘Rise’ – brought together 2,000 top-performing leisure and corporate consultants to celebrate their achievements in what’s been a challenging financial year for FCTG and the wider travel industry.
The ‘Rise’ theme refers to the company’s call to action, encouraging all employees across all businesses in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Asia, Europe, South Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and the UK to “step forward, own the moment and give it everything”.
Bangkok was chosen as a destination for its energy, which the group says exemplifies drive, constant movement, progress, ambition and forward momentum as well as resilience and steady growth.
It follows last year’s Global Gathering in Los Angeles with a tighter format but plenty of positive vibes as FCTG team members and suppliers convened in Thailand.
Major partners Europ Assistance (now known as Redion in Australia and New Zealand), Qantas Group and Sabre were joined by a massive list of travel brands across the sector to support the event.
Global Gathering 2026 kicked off with the Flight Fest opening night event as FCTG took over a section of the Asiatique The Riverfront lifestyle and entertainment precinct on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, which features Thailand’s highest Ferris Wheel.
With the dress code of “Thai market meets riverside festival”, revellers were greeted with two DJs and lots of supplier activations, including Viking’s Dance Machine, where 150 winners walked away with a free ocean or river cruise.
The Songkran festival-inspired soirée kept Flighties cool with misters and hydration stations amid Bangkok’s humidity as they enjoyed the likes of American Airlines’ burger bar, Air New Zealand’s silent disco, traditional Thai carnival games with Topdeck and Back-Roads Touring and karaoke with Delta.
While there was no main act this year, the vibe at the five-hour event was relaxed and flowing with positive energy, soundtracked by two DJs against a backdrop of fireworks.
The following day featured the Global Gathering 2026 conference component at the UOB LIVE entertainment venue, followed by the Global Awards Dinner and Awards After-Party at Impact Arena. Those still up watched the England vs Norway game at FCTG-hosted hotels.
The conference featured keynote speakers along with FCTG and supplier panels and a traditional dance performance.
FCTG CEO Graham “Skroo” Turner and other global brand leaders spoke, while Sydney was announced as the destination for next year’s Global Gathering.
After the Gala Awards dinner ceremony that saw attendees spice up their look with formalwear, the night continued with crowdpleasing DJ sets from Australia’s The Presets and legendary US house DJ Armand Van Helden.
Attendees at this year’s Global Gathering were also asked to bring a book for the 2026 Goals for Good partner, the Sao Hai Community in Saraburi Province, around 90 minutes from Bangkok.
FCTG’s Asia wholesale business Discova has a long-term association with the community, including building a dedicated Community Empowerment Hub where local students and villagers can develop hospitality and life skills towards further education and employment opportunities.
Next year’s Global Gathering will take place in Sydney from 16–18 July 2027 with the theme, ‘Be Iconic’.
