On Location: “Beyond Every Journey": Envoyage Worldwide conference kicks off in South Africa

The countdown is on for Worldwide 2025, Envoyage’s premier global conference, landing in Sun City, South Africa, from Sept. 12–15.

PAX is on the ground at Worldwide, getting an exclusive Canada-first look at the sights, sessions and stories as they unfold.

This year’s gathering at the Sun City Convention Centre (and its surrounding hotels and attractions) brings together more than 400 partners and members from across the globe – including 16 travel advisors from Canada – for four epic days of learning, networking and celebration.

Envoyage's 2025 theme, “Beyond Every Journey,” invites travel entrepreneurs to imagine new possibilities and embrace transformation in a fast-evolving industry.

“It’s an opportunity for us, as a host agency, to walk the walk of talking the talk of being a global brand,” said Omar Guechtal, a member success manager based at Envoyage’s Toronto office. “At the forefront is the opportunity to gather, communicate, share, grow and gain from the realities of every participating nation.”

Heather Baker, Envoyage's national marketing manager for Canada, called Worldwide "a highlight for our Canadian network."

"It offers an incredible opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the power of travel," she told PAX. "For Envoyage, it’s more than just an event. It’s about empowering our advisors with the knowledge, partnerships, and inspiration they need to thrive."

Alongside Canadian delegates, the event will also welcome Envoyage members from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States, as well as the organization’s global and regional leaders, industry partners and select media.

A global community  

Flight Centre Travel Group's (FCTG's) independent division launched Envoyage in early 2024.

The global entity officially rebranded and retired “Independent By Flight Centre,” a name that was attached to independent, home-based travel advisors in Canada for nearly 16 years (it first launched as “Flight Centre Associates” in April 2008).

Australia-based Flight Centre had independent brands all over the world and the introduction of Envoyage was meant to tie everything, and everyone, together.

Which is the premise of Worldwide. The event, which debuted in Santiago, Chile last year, was created to connect Envoyage members and inspire ideas and collaboration.

“For members, it’s about belonging to a larger community,” Guechtal told PAX. “Independent agents, especially in the Canadian market, can sometimes feel isolated. This event really reinforces that sense of community and sharing.”

Attendees can expect a jam-packed agenda, too.

Some of the key highlights include presentations about AI in travel (how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing operations and client experiences), industry trends and forecasts, and the Envoyage ecosystem (hands-on demos of tools, like Beacon and Product Showroom, that streamline workflows and boost engagement).

There will also be a global product expo featuring fifty partners from around the world, alongside rapid-fire “Worldwide Connects” meetings to spark conversation.

Powerhouse speakers

Advisors can look forward to an engaging roster of compelling speakers.

Danielle Galloway, global managing director, luxury and independent brands at FCTG, will chart the brand’s achievements and future ambitions, followed by James Kavanagh, FCTG's global CEO of leisure, who’ll share future-proofing strategies.

The program features an air marketplace panel hosted by Sue Garrett,  general manager supply, pricing and marketing, FCTG South Africa; Caroline Hitchen, general manager, CruiseHQ, who'll talk all things cruise; a tour marketplace panel hosted by Jodie Burnard, global head of product, marketing technologist Kha Ly, and a technology showcase with Wendie Lee, chief product officer (technology), luxury and independent brands.  

Attendees will also hear from adventurer Brett Archibald, who’ll share his gripping 28-hour survival story at sea.

Innovation meets competition

One of the most anticipated sessions, Lions Lair (new this year), will see five finalists from Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and Canada pitch bold business ideas live on stage – in front of a panel of judges – for a $5,000 investment.

Bernardo Celorio will be representing Canada in this competition, which is inspired by business reality TV shows like Dragons' Den and Shark Tank.

Heather Baker, for one, is especially excited to see the Lions Lair in action and see what advisors bring to the table. 

"Their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit reflect the strength of our network, and I can’t wait to see the energy our community will bring back home to their businesses," she said.

This year also launches the Worldwide Entrepreneur Round Table – 60-minute collaborative session designed to harness the collective wisdom of its global community.

It’s a business workshop meets peer consulting session that brings together diverse perspectives from across the globe to tackle real-life challenges that travel advisors face.

Giving back

But Worldwide 2025 isn’t just about business.

On the final day, attendees will roll up their sleeves for a bike-building activity to support the SOS Children’s Village in Rustenburg, leaving a positive footprint in the host community.

Located at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, this village was established in 2006 and provides nurturing family homes for children who cannot live with their biological families.

When the sun goes down…

In the evenings, when the sun slips behind the horizon, Sun City will spring alive with the sounds of Zulu drums and the steps of traditional dancers.

Sun City is a sprawling resort and casino complex – reminiscent of Atlantis – situated in the North West Province of South Africa. It borders the Pilanesberg National Park and consists of several themed sub-resorts with hotels on each, including the Sun City Resort, The Cabanas and the Palace. 

There’ll be a string of parties to look forward to at Worldwide, from a Safari Celebration (grab your best animal prints) to “The Envys” awards gala (this year, under an earth and ember theme) to the “Africa Waves” farewell event, which will bring boho-chic, beach club vibes.

“This event is all about connection and growth,” said Guechtal. “Envoyage revolves around the journeys our advisors take with their clients and Worldwide brings that vision to life. It brings members together in a melting pot to connect and network, which is an opportunity not all host agencies can provide.”

“It’s about bringing our uniqueness to the forefront. It’s a huge benefit to our members.”

Canadian Icons in South Africa

Envoyage is also welcoming its top performers to South Africa this week for its global reward event, Icons, which preceded the Worldwide conference.

Those who qualified started an immersive tour in Johannesburg, spent two nights at Bakubung Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park, and then a final night at the Palace of the Lost City in Sun City.

This year’s Canadian Icons are Julie Smigadis, Travel our World; Ellen Lezcano, Atlas Travel Solutions; Mike Sanderson, Up, Up and Away Travel; John Castell; Joanne Roberts; Lisa Kraiger, West Canadian Travel; Tammy Newman; Adam Taylor, Altitude Travel; Roxy Rae; and Christine Wilson.

Stay tuned for PAX’s exclusive coverage from Worldwide 2025!

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.