by Marita Nortje and Kiran Molloy
Flight Centre Independent has held its first-ever conference and awards evening at Emperors Palace, and Travel News got to share in all the glitz, the glamour and the glee!
MC was the fabulous Matthew Fubbs, wearing a gorgeous red dress and platforms. He introduced FCTG Independent Brands GM Chantal Gouws, who thanked her phenomenal team and described 2023 as a record year.
FC’s GM Supply, Pricing and Marketing Sue Garrett, said the best part of the conference was seeing all the familiar faces, before giving her informative presentation on the role of NDC. Guest speaker Robyn Christie spoke about key issues in running a successful business and spoke of the importance of ITCs embracing AI, while Neil Golding gave a superb motivational presentation outlining his company’s journey.
Both branded and unbranded FCI ITCs were awarded for their efforts and endurance. The audience of ITCs were super-excited to hear that the very top travel advisers would be going on a sponsored Independent Icons 2023 river cruise from Budapest to Vienna in November this year.
ITCs told Travel News of their love for the Flight Centre Independent brand.
Branded ITC Lee-Ann became an FC Independent ITC in May, 2022. She loves the flexibility she now has. “I’ve got four kids at home…You have all this background support with airfares, products and complicated itineraries, so you’ve got that expertise behind you.”
Marise, also a branded FCI ICT, moved over to FCI in 2019. “It’s literally a home away from home… Being able to be there for your own family, but working within a family as well – it’s perfect!” said Saayman.
Mariaan (both an ITC and an Operational Leader within FCI), said: “The door opened at the right time. I could spend some time at home with the kids, and also still do what I love.”
Read more about this very special event in our upcoming Flight Centre Independent mini- feature being published on August 2.
