Top FCTG advisors get ready for Independent Icons voyage with Uniworld

Top achievers from across FCTG’s Independent businesses globally are getting ready to depart on the very first Independent Icons trip, where they will have full reign of Uniworld’s S.S. Beatrice for four nights as they sail from Budapest to Vienna.

76 travel advisors and agency owners from 55 independent agencies across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and South Africa will meet for the first global independent agent gathering of its kind.

Joining these high performers onboard will be representatives from Uniworld, TTC Tour Brands, Adventure World, Lindblad Expeditions, Cover More, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Expedia TAAP, and Inclusive Collection, Part of the World of Hyatt.

Other sponsors who have supported the event and will make a virtual appearance include Intrepid, AAT Kings, Back Roads Touring, and Norwegian Cruise Line. 

Independent advisors and their guests will enjoy a choice of excursions every day, including an exclusive outing to enjoy one of Trafalgar’s Be My Guest experiences at a local winery with lunch in Budapest, hosted by TTC Tour Brands.

They will also enjoy an after party with special surprises hosted from afar by Singapore Airlines. 

In keeping with FCTG’s commitment to sustainability, Icons 2023 will be offset through a partnership with Allianz and Trees4Travel.

The total carbon emissions of the journey will be estimated and offset through contributions made to a reforestation project in Nepal.

Each individual participant will also have the opportunity to enter their specific travel details to ensure a more accurate measure, with the goal of being 100 per cent carbon neutral.

“It's a momentous occasion, and we take immense pride in the incredible achievements of our qualifying advisors who have earned their place on this remarkable voyage,” stated Anita Emilio, VP & GM Luxury and Independent Brands Canada. “Our heartfelt gratitude extends to our generous supplier sponsors who have made this event possible.”

The Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt, expressed how it was proud to be part of the inaugural Independent Icons trip, “which provides an opportunity for meaningful connections with top travel advisors from across the globe,” said Carolina Bellina, senior director of Canadian sales for Inclusive Collection.

“As we embark on this exciting and informative trip, we are grateful to connect and share information about the Inclusive Collection portfolio, the largest all-inclusive luxury portfolio in the world, and to be able to continue to forge valuable relationships and celebrate the achievements of these esteemed travel advisors.”

Intrepid also sounded off.

“Intrepid is excited to be sponsoring Flight Centre Independents first Global Icons trip. They have been both an instrumental and supportive partner of Intrepid travel and we very much look forward to their continued growth and partnership,” stated Laura Hernandez, the company’s partnerships manager.

Adam Taylor, a Canadian independent advisor who is attending, added:  “Words truly cannot describe how I feel about this opportunity. It feels like yesterday a group of us were watching the big reveal. From the moment I saw the release video in December, I knew I had to step it up and get onboard. Experiencing such a trip, giving us the chance to network & celebrate with our top 50 Global owners will be the NEXT LEVEL. Europe – Get Ready! We’re coming.”

Danielle Galloway, global managing director, FCTG Independent and Premium Divisions, also provided a comment.

“Our team and global network of independent travel entrepreneurs are brimming with excitement for our first Icons event this November,” Galloway said.  “This exclusive experience provides a unique setting for our leading advisors from around the world to connect with and learn from each other, as well as some of our most valuable suppliers and our global leadership team.

“We are confident our sponsors and advisors will forge valuable connections and make incredible memories while experiencing a truly special event that has been designed just for them.”

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