Envoyage has had quite the year. Since rebranding as its own principal brand from Flight Centre Travel Group’s Independent division in February 2024, it has not slowed down in the slightest, hosting its inaugural Worldwide event in Santiago in May and its 2024 Icons event in the Maldives earlier this month with 50 top-producing travel advisors. All this shouldn’t come as a surprise, says David Gallie, Member Support Leader, who tells Travelweek that Envoyage is laser-focused on continued growth in Canada. In this week’s Take 5, we ask Gallie about the brand’s growth strategy, the current challenges he’s seeing with independent travel advisors, and the new trends that are shaping 2025.
1..Following the success of the inaugural Worldwide event in Santiago, Chile, what can agents expect at WW2025 in South Africa? Are there any details you can share?
“WW2025 is set to build on the incredible momentum of Worldwide 2024, and this time, we’re taking things to a whole new level in South Africa, a destination that’s on so many bucket lists for good reason. Beyond the awe-inspiring location, this gathering will be the perfect blend of meaningful connections, valuable takeaways, and unforgettable celebrations.
“Advisors can look forward to fabulous networking opportunities with both supplier partners and fellow advisors, inspiring keynote speakers, and insights they can immediately apply to grow their businesses. And of course, it wouldn’t be Worldwide without extraordinary celebrations to top it all off!
“We’re putting the finishing touches on some exciting details, so stay tuned—more updates are coming soon!”
2. What are some of the biggest challenges that independent advisors are facing today? And how is Envoyage helping them overcome these challenges?
“Independent travel advisors face challenges like staying visible in a crowded digital landscape, managing client expectations for hyper-personalized experiences, and balancing a demanding workload.
“Envoyage empowers advisors to overcome these hurdles with innovative tools like iReach, which offers ready-to-use, customizable marketing campaigns to boost visibility effortlessly. Our advanced CRM tool, CBO, ensures advisors have client preferences at their fingertips, enabling efficient service and making clients feel valued and remembered. Additionally, Home, our Single Sign-On system, simplifies operations by streamlining access to essential tools, saving time and enhancing productivity.
As we prepare to launch a powerful new platform, Envoyage is doubling down on its commitment to support and empower advisors, helping them thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Ultimately, the future of travel advisory services is not about competing with technology—it’s about using those tools to enhance the human touch that makes travel truly unforgettable.”
3. What new trends are you seeing for 2025?
“As travellers embrace the joy of exploration once again, we see exciting trends emerge. Cruise bookings are climbing, escorted land tours are experiencing remarkable growth, and the demand for luxury travel continues to evolve. Luxury is no longer just about indulgence—it’s about creating unique, personal, and enriching experiences. Whether it’s glamping under the stars, chartering a private jet, or chasing unforgettable views of the Northern Lights in Iceland or the Yukon, travellers are seeking comfort paired with meaningful connections to the places they visit.
“We’re also seeing creative travel trends take flight, like gig tripping, where fans travel to see their favourite artists perform. (Yes, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is practically a tourism industry all on its own.) Or destination dupes, where travellers opt for sustainable alternatives to high-impact locations. This shift highlights how advisors and their clients are increasingly conscious of tourism’s footprint, choosing options that are both responsible and rewarding.”
4. It seems like everyone’s talking about AI and how it will impact the travel industry. What are your thoughts on AI?
“With AI making waves across industries, it’s natural for travel advisors to wonder how it might impact their business. The truth is, AI isn’t here to replace the unique, personalized service that Envoyage advisors are known for—it’s here to support and enhance it. By using AI tools strategically, advisors can save time on tasks like content creation, streamline administrative processes, and ensure their posts, blogs, and website content stay relevant and engaging. This means more time to focus on what truly matters: building relationships with clients and delivering experiences that AI can never replicate.
“At Envoyage, we encourage advisors to embrace AI as a valuable resource that can elevate their business—whether it’s improving their social media presence, optimizing client outreach, or crafting compelling content. But at the heart of it all, it’s the personal care and expertise that our advisors bring to their clients that sets them apart and will always be irreplaceable.”
5. Since launching your new branding earlier this year, what can you tell us about Envoyage’s growth strategy in Canada? What can we expect to see from Envoyage in the next 5 years?
“Since launching our new branding earlier this year, Envoyage’s growth strategy in Canada is focused on solidifying our position as the home and heart of the travel industry. We are committed to empowering Canadian travel advisors with world-class tools, access to a broad global network, and robust resources to drive their success.
“Over the next five years, we aim to deepen advisor connections, expand our market presence, and deliver innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity. Through these efforts, Envoyage will continue building a thriving, supportive community of travel professionals and shaping the future of travel in Canada.”
For more information go to https://join.envoyage.com/ca/home.
