by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:40 AM ET, Tue October 14, 2025
Envoyage brought together more than 400 travel professionals from five countries for Worldwide 2025, held this year in Sun City, South Africa.
The event drew advisors and partners from Envoyage’s five core markets—Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.S.
Danielle Galloway, global managing director of Luxury and Independent Brands at Flight Centre Travel Group, which includes Envoyage, set the tone in her keynote address. Comparing the industry’s transformation to Africa’s Great Migration, she told attendees, “Standing still is the greatest danger of all.”
Insights
Envoyage’s Worldwide 2025 conference included a mix of business sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
“Worldwide 2025 in Sun City was the best yet,” said Envoyage member Sabine Bani. “The combination of insightful, business-oriented speakers, an inspiring trade show, dazzling Envys, and, of course, the phenomenal destination made it an unforgettable experience.”
According to a press release, attendees participated in AI and technology workshops exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance client service and marketing.
Marketing technologist Kha Ly led sessions showing advisors how to apply AI tools to social media strategies, while the launch of the Beacon platform provided members with data-driven insights to boost efficiency and growth.
Kha Ly led sessions showing advisors how to apply AI tools to social media strategies (Photo Credit: Envoyage)Lion's Lair
One of the most talked-about sessions, the Lions’ Lair Pitch Competition, saw five advisors present their business ideas to a judging panel. The winner, Australia’s Chad Naylor, impressed judges with an AI-based approach to client communication and service.
More than 100 industry partners across 50 brands took part in networking sessions and the Worldwide Connects trade showcase.
“The destination and event itself were unforgettable,” said Anna Fawcett, general manager APAC at Back Roads Touring, Topdeck Travel and Grasshopper Adventures. “What stood out most was the engagement from [Envoyage] advisors. They were proactive, curious, and eager to connect — even at breakfast!”
The Envys
The event’s gala, known as The Envys, recognized top-performing advisors and agencies across Envoyage’s markets.
Envy Awards night (Photo Credit: Envoyage)Canadian winners included Christine Wilson, named Destination or Product Specialist of the Year, and Adam Taylor of Altitude Travel, who received the Community Impact Award. Julie Smigadis of Travel Our World was honoured as Top Member of the Year – Canada.
Other honourees included:
- Customer Service Excellence: Ane Steyn, Flight Centre Independent, South Africa
- Leadership in Regenerative & Accessible Tourism: xtravel, New Zealand
- Best Marketing Initiative: Sam & Clive Fillingham, Australia
- Rising Star: Lisa Zilli, Concierge Boutique Travel, USA
- Travel Entrepreneur of the Year: Belle Goldie, The Cruise & Travel Store, Australia
Independent Advisors on the Rise
A defining theme of Worldwide 2025 was the continued growth of the independent advisor model.
“We are deeply grateful to all the members and partners who attended Worldwide 2025,” said Galloway. “Together, we are not just navigating change, we're driving it forward. The theme, ‘Beyond Every Journey,’ is a call to our members to embrace innovation and leverage technology to fuel business growth.”
Envoyage says it will continue to champion independent advisors as a vital force shaping the industry’s future.
Topics From This Article to Explore
