In the last ten years, independent travel advisors have lept from ‘don’t get no respect’ to the darlings of the industry.
With its eye on the prize, Flight Centre Travel Group's Independent division has launched new independent global branding with a slick new name and logo, Envoyage.
"The name Envoyage combines the notion of connection through envoy and travel through voyage. The “bridge” in the logo represents the growth journey our travel agents and agencies can experience and the incredible travel journeys their customers can go on with us," said FTCG in a statement.
Flight Centre Travel Group Global Leisure CEO James Kavanagh said, "Independent travel has been one of the fastest growing divisions for us in recent years and the investment in our new brand signals the significant role we expect the network to play in our future business model.
"It's our ambition that Envoyage will become a global powerhouse - the most comprehensive, trusted and recognized independent travel brand in market."
Flight Centre Travel Group Global Managing Director of Luxury and Independent Brands Danielle Galloway said, "The new brand proposition is compelling, memorable and versatile. Our research tells us Envoyage conjures up a sense of aspiration, a feeling of security and an immediate association with travel and personalization, so it truly embodies everything our independent division is about.
"Being part of Envoyage will offer agents the best of both worlds - the freedom of running their own business their way, coupled with the power of a truly global brand and community."
Anita Emilio, Vice President and GM at Envoyage Canada commented on the group's strategic direction and its commitment to the booming market for independent travel agents and agencies in Canada.
Emilio added that Envoyage support is “attuned to the unique cultural intricacies and requirements of our Canadian network. Emilio enthusiastically emphasizes the importance of localized backing, proclaiming, “Our Canadian team is passionately dedicated to delivering exceptional service—ensuring our customers are our top priority.
"We look forward to welcoming our existing network of incredible independent agents and agencies alongside newcomers into the Envoyage family."
The rollout of Envoyage will start in the US in March, with Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand to follow.
