TORONTO — Travel advisors have returned home from FCTG’s Independent Division’s first-ever Independent Icons trip, calling it a major success and an incredible experience.
Taking place from Nov. 1-5 aboard Uniworld’s S.S. Beatrice, the four-night voyage sailed from Budapest to Vienna with 71 independent travel agency owners and mobile advisors from 55 agencies from Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as 11 representatives from nine supply partners. Accompanied by Uniworld’s CEO, Ellen Bettridge, guests enjoyed a curated four-night celebration that included champagne toasts, a white-themed evening starting in Budapest, and ‘A Touch of Gold’ farewell soiree in Vienna.
The Icons were also treated to a Be My Guest event at Schieszl Winery, courtesy of Trafalgar, during which they enjoyed wine tasting in the family’s 300-year-old wine cellar, as well as a three-night stay from The Inclusive Collection, Part of the World of Hyatt.
As the trip concluded, Anita Emilio, VP & GM of Luxury and Independent Brands in Canada, extended her gratitude for Independent agency owners and suppliers.
“This incredible experience stands as a testament to their hard work, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our supplier sponsors who made it all possible,” she said. “The Independent Icons trip has forged a dynamic platform for engagement, networking and mutual learning. Plans are already in motion for next year’s edition, promising even greater opportunities for growth, connection and shared success.”
Andrew Young of TTC Tour Brands Australia and The Inclusive Collection, also lauded the event, saying: “It’s a formidable lineup of entrepreneurs and small business guns you’ve assembled, and we stand with you, side by side, on a shared journey to new heights.”
Feedback from travel advisors about the trip was overwhelmingly positive, with Julie Smigadis of Travel Our World calling it an invaluable experience.
“Being able to network and bounce ideas off successful colleagues from different parts of the world is a true game changer for my business mindset. I was lucky enough to connect with so many people who can further the reach of my own business here in Canada from both a colleague and supplier perspective. Uniworld was a class act and treated us like absolute Icons from start to finish,” said Smigadis.
Adam Taylor, another advisor who attended the trip, added: “Meeting colleagues from other businesses and celebrating our success was just what I needed. Discussing what was working and perhaps not working in their market allowed me to take a step back and see everyone has something that may not be perfect in their area of the globe. We certainly have some things to be thankful for. Uniworld delivered an incredible experience and I look forward to working together with them on behalf of my clients.”
Building on the success of the Icons trip, FCTG has announced that it will be planting 1,963 trees – a carbon offset equivalent to 322 tons – in collaboration with Trees4Travel and sustainability sponsor Allianz Global Assistance.
