The final countdown is on… from 13 September, Sun City in South Africa will play host to more than 400 travel professionals (up from 300 last year) for Envoyage Worldwide 2025, the independent network’s biggest global gathering of the year.
Worldwide is designed as the beating heart of Envoyage, a place where members, leaders, partners and media connect in person to share ideas, gain insights and celebrate being part of a global community of over 3,500 independent travel entrepreneurs. And with this year’s theme, Beyond Every Journey, the focus is firmly on innovation, transformation and building businesses that are ready for the future.
Danielle Galloway, Global Managing Director of Envoyage, will set the tone on day one by highlighting the milestones already reached and the opportunities still to come. Closing the day, Flight Centre Travel Group’s Global CEO of Leisure, James Kavanagh, will bring his perspective on how the industry can continue to thrive through change. The dual talks are designed to both inspire and challenge delegates to think bigger.
Sessions with substance
That challenge is carried throughout the program. Sessions will dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping travel, what the latest consumer and industry trends mean for advisors, and how Envoyage’s own ecosystem of tools, including Beacon and Product Showroom, can streamline operations and open new opportunities.
Conference panels will cover air, cruise and touring in detail, led by some of the sharpest minds in the business.
Sue Garrett from South Africa will tackle new distribution capability and air procurement; Jodie Burnard will take a deep dive into touring, while Wendie Lee and Jackson Cheng will demonstrate the tech shaping the next phase of Envoyage’s marketplace. Elsewhere, CruiseHQ’s Caroline Hitchen will chart the ongoing resurgence of cruise and how to maximise returns.
Major partners will also add their voices, reinforcing the collaborative approach that’s become a hallmark of the Worldwide conference, now in its fourth year.
The Global Product Expo is set to be another highlight, with 50 partners from across the world showcasing products and services. The expo is a hands-on chance for members to connect directly with suppliers, complemented by Worldwide Connects, a program of quickfire one-to-one meetings that will run on the opening morning.
As with past editions, delegates will also hear powerful personal stories.
International speaker and businessman Brett Archibald will deliver a keynote recounting his extraordinary survival after falling overboard in the Indian Ocean and spending 28 hours at sea before being rescued.
Elsewhere, Kha Ly, a digital pioneer with more than 25 years of experience in marketing technology, will explore how artificial intelligence can transform travel marketing strategies, helping businesses engage more effectively with clients and stand out in a crowded market.
Pitches with punch
One of the program’s most dynamic parts is the Lions Lair. Five finalists – representing Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada – will each pitch their big ideas live on stage for the chance to score a $5,000 investment. The judges remain under wraps until the day, adding a little extra suspense to an already high-energy session.
The community spirit of Envoyage Worldwide will shine through on the final day, when delegates support the SOS Children’s Village in Rustenburg. A bike-building activity and optional donation drive will directly benefit children and families in the region, giving the event a meaningful local impact.
After the sun goes down (and maybe a few Sundowners?), evenings at Worldwide will feature cultural showcases, gala dinners and a closing celebration, giving delegates the chance to connect socially, unwind after sessions, and enjoy a taste of South African hospitality.
Who’s ready?
Karryon will be on the ground at Sun City, bringing you an Australian-exclusive inside look at the sights, sessions and stories from Envoyage Worldwide 2025.
Last week, Envoyage revealed the group of lucky Aussie travel advisors who earned a spot on its global reward event, Icons, preceding the network’s annual global conference. Read more about that here.
The writer is a guest of Envoyage. For more information on Envoyage, click here.
