A new player has arrived in the independent travel agency space… Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) Independent arm will launch a new flagship brand to the market called Envoyage.
According to FCTG, Envoyage will aim to serve as a central hub for independent travel agents and agencies, offering them a fresh visual identity that mirrors the group’s extensive global network, cutting-edge technology and diverse product offerings.
As well as enhancing existing independent services, Envoyage will extend into specialised and expanding sectors such as corporate and luxury travel.
FCTG says the brand name, Envoyage, signifies the connection between envoy and travel, while the logo’s “bridge” embodies the growth opportunities available to agents and the journeys awaiting their clients.
The rollout of Envoyage will commence in the United States in March, followed by expansions into Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Booming business
FCTG Global Leisure CEO James Kavanagh says the new brand will enable the company to further develop the opportunities it sees in the independent travel sector.
“Independent travel has been one of the fastest growing divisions for us in recent years and the investment in our new brand signals the significant role we expect the network to play in our future business model,” he says.
Bullishly, he adds, “it’s our ambition that Envoyage will become a global powerhouse – the most comprehensive, trusted and recognised independent travel brand in market”.
Danielle Galloway, Global Managing Director of Luxury and Independent Brands at FCTG, says Envoyage is the result of thorough research, industry collaboration and detailed design work.
“The new brand proposition is compelling, memorable and versatile,” she remarks.
“Our research tells us Envoyage conjures up a sense of aspiration, a feeling of security and an immediate association with travel and personalisation, so it truly embodies everything our independent division is about.
“Being part of Envoyage will offer agents the best of both worlds – the freedom of running their own business their way, coupled with the power of a truly global brand and community.
“We look forward to welcoming our existing network of incredible independent agents and agencies alongside newcomers into the Envoyage family.”
Across the pond, FCTG Independent New Zealand General Manager Jason Buckley says the new brand highlights the strong bond within the community of independent travel advisors.
“Through Envoyage, we will not only elevate our offering for our current members, but also provide new and exciting opportunities for independent agents and agencies who join us in the future,” he states.
Independents’ reaction
Local independent travel agents are embracing the announcement.
“It’ll be fantastic to have all our independent members under the new Envoyage brand, globally,” Local Travel Managers Group agent, Kate Hawken says.
“It feels like we’re on our own unique and exciting journey within the wider travel community.”
Tori Keating, an agent from Xtravel within the Travel Managers Group, says the global brand will “allow members to expand their influence, engage with other skilled travel professionals worldwide, and deliver superior service to their clients”.
“Envoyage brings fresh perspectives, innovation, and opportunities for growth and it will allow us to stay competitive and explore new possibilities, ultimately leading to progress and success.”
In May 2024, FCTG Independent will hold its first-ever global conference for independent travel agency owners and mobile advisors.
Last year, FCTG Independent said it had welcomed 25 new independent travel businesses to its portfolio of partner agencies in an impressive start to FY24.
Elsewhere, FCTG Independent NZ staged its inaugural conference in Flight Centre Travel Group’s global headquarters of Brisbane, welcoming more than 180 home-based agents and suppliers for four days of networking and inspiration.