Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) is sharpening its focus on New Zealand’s luxury travellers, naming Kelly de Graaf as its first FCTG New Zealand Head of Luxury.
The appointment signals the company’s plan to grow its premium brands as interest in high-end experiences continues to rise.
And with global brands expanding across the ditch, FCTG says New Zealand’s luxury market is strengthening.
Danielle Galloway, Managing Director of Independent and Luxury Brands, described the country as a “highly promising market”.
“New Zealand is a key growth market we’ve been eyeing – Kiwis have a strong appetite for luxury goods and services,” she remarked.
“We have the likes of Cartier opening a flagship in Auckland, so there’s a growing group of discerning clients who value the same level of service and product for their holidays.”
De Graaf will lead the Luxury Travel Collection’s move into New Zealand and support the expansion of Travel Associates.
The retail brand currently has boutiques in Mt Eden, Howick, Petone, Merivale and Dunedin, with more planned.
“Having a leader who can support both Travel Associates and The Luxury Travel Collection is an enormous advantage,” Galloway stated.
“It allows us to align our strengths, share insights, and deliver an elevated experience to both our clients and our advisors, granting them greater access to our curated house of luxury travel.”
De Graaf said she is energised by the chance to combine her Kiwi market expertise with the global reach of the LTC and Travel Associates.
“New Zealand travellers have an adventurous spirit and value authenticity and with these brands behind them, our advisors will be uniquely positioned to craft journeys that inspire and connect,” she stated.
Expressions of interest for the Luxury Travel Collection’s New Zealand membership house will open in 2026.
This month, Flight Centre and Travel Associates were named Australia’s most trusted travel agencies for 2025. Read more about that here.
KARRYON UNPACKS: This move reinforces growing Kiwi demand for tailored, high-end travel and gives agents more premium pathways across the ditch.
