Worldwide 2024 Sets the Bar for Travel Events
The curtain fell on an unforgettable journey in Santiago, Chile, as a leading global network of travel entrepreneurs wrapped up a highly successful Worldwide 2024 event. From 1-4 May, 300 travel professionals from the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand gathered to celebrate, learn, and set the future course of travel advisory services. Danielle Galloway, Global Managing Director, encapsulated the event’s essence, stating, “Every journey is a story waiting to be told, and here is ours.”
During the opening address on day one, Galloway illuminated how our origins—a tapestry woven from various independent brands—have played a role in crafting the group’s unique proposition. This foundation enables us to offer comprehensive support to travel advisors, catering to their needs at every phase of their entrepreneurial journey. Whether newcomers are just launching their own business or seasoned agencies looking to expand their horizons, we offer a home—a community where growth and adaptation are encouraged and celebrated.
“This is more than a partnership; it’s your forever future,” Galloway emphasised. She highlighted a commitment to providing a dynamic ecosystem equipped with integrated tools, support systems, products, and cutting-edge technology. This approach empowers members to tailor their experience, selecting services that best align with their evolving business needs and adjusting their toolkit as their journey unfolds.
Concluding her address, Galloway reaffirmed our unwavering devotion to the success of its members worldwide. “As we collectively embark on this exciting journey, we stand ready to support each member at every turn. With visionary leadership, a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, we are on course to redefine the future of travel, ensuring our members and their clients enjoy truly unforgettable travel experiences.”
The event’s theme, “For Every Journey,” was woven through the event programme delivering content designed to challenge and inspire travel entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey as business owners. With compelling panels on navigating change, members’ successful journeys in the travel business, and the impacts of over-tourism, as well as workshops on wellness and cross-cultural business insights, fulfilled and delighted attendees over three exciting days.
Worldwide 2024 secured noteworthy keynote speakers including; Global Brand Strategist Nicole Hatherly spoke to attendees about the importance and impact of defining one’s personal brand and applying human intelligence in business, while Dr. Craig Challen recounted the harrowing cave rescue mission he navigated in Thailand, saving a team of young teen soccer players. Challen inspired attendees to consider how their unique skills could have a significant impact on the world.
As this was the inaugural conference for Worldwide, I was purely excited to be a part of the first one and to have the opportunity to not only meet other colleagues from all over the world, but also to experience the partners that contributed to the amazing few days. The sessions were informative, the speakers amazing and the functions, well, the functions were world-class! ~ FCI agent Gary De Sa
The idea of like-minded individuals meeting and getting to know each other’s businesses and operational techniques – more importantly, bouncing ideas off each other and getting insights into each other’s businesses ~ FCIU Khudija Moola
My best experience at Global was to realise the size of our brand and how much it has grown from very humble beginnings. The overall content of guest speakers, suppliers and of course meeting with other people within the FCI branded and unbranded space in SA – was a massive success in my mind! I truly hope to make it to next years worldwide conference… it was an unforgettable experience. ~ FCI agent Michelle Page
Platinum partners TTC Tour Brands, Hoteles Xcaret, AMA Waterways, Air New Zealand, and Cover-More, as well as another 45 partners from around the world connected with members through private appointments, free-flowing expo time, and formal presentations to educate and support the many journeys members curate for clientele around the world.
Worldwide 2024 evening celebrations were nothing short of spectacular, starting with a vibrant welcome cocktail party at the Intercontinental Santiago. Dressed in bright, bold attire, attendees immersed themselves in Chile’s rich culture, delectable cuisine, and lively entertainment, setting the tone for the coming days.
The “Santiago Sparkle” themed Gala dinner was a showcase of elegance and charm, held at the breathtaking Botánico Centro de Eventos, overlooking the city of Santiago and Andes Mountains. 13 outstanding members were honoured at Worldwide’s new award program, “The Envys”, which celebrates the group’s top achievers and standout members – a new tradition for us. On the final night, guests partied at Le Virgen in Santiago’s Bellavista neighbourhood for a Farewell Fiesta, complete with tarot card readers, magicians, and caricature artists.
The Worldwide 2024 finale was a live auction and prize raffle, where attendees could bid on an impressive array of prizes donated by event sponsors using their “Worldwide dollars”, a unique currency bestowed upon members throughout the event for exceptional engagement and participation.
There were multiple experiences and exciting moments, but one of the best was – as South Africans and the smallest group of attendees – we still made the most noise and cheered when two of our own were awarded at The Envys ~ FCI agent Gary De Sa
Meeting my FCIU colleagues with the same mindset, different dynamics, and all the fun – I loved the vibe! FCIU Khudija Moola
Worldwide 2024 has set a benchmark for international travel events and fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among the group’s global members and partners. As attendees bid farewell to Santiago, they take with them memories and a renewed commitment to transforming every journey into a remarkable story.
“In reflecting upon the enthusiasm and unparalleled success that marked the Worldwide 2024 event, we are thrilled to announce our decision to make Worldwide an annual fixture on our calendar. This decision is a testament to the vibrant energy, innovative spirit, and strong sense of community apparent throughout this year’s gathering. As we look ahead, we are excited about what the future holds and bringing our global community together in unprecedented ways,” said Chantal Gouws, General Manager, Flight Centre Independent SA.
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