Flight Centre Associates (FCA), the independent travel consultant division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, has diversified their personal travel concierge offering by launching a sub-brand specialising in MICE travel: FCA Events and Incentives.
“FCA has reported steady revenue growth, at about 12% per month,” says Chantal Gouws, General Manager Independent Brands. “It makes sense for us to diversify our brand further by opening up a niche MICE division to cater to our corporate customer in the new world post COVID-19.”
“Over the last two months, our expert numbers have grown by 57%. Although much of this is due to FCTG having to right-size our business, with more consultants joining our ITC (independent travel consultant) division, we have also welcomed more external consultants to the Flight Centre Associates team. We currently have 175 highly-experienced independent associates throughout the country.”
“Our team of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) consultants will serve the needs of our business customer looking for MICE solutions tailored to the size of their business and individual requirements.”
As part of a global travel management company, FCA Events and Incentives offers group travel, event management, strategic direction on meetings, conferences and events – and the design and inception of corporate travel incentive programmes.
“We can plan, source, and execute events of all sizes, from an intimate five-person meeting to a formal 1,000+ delegate conference. Given current rigorous health and safety regulations, as well a dynamic, ever-changing business travel environment, we have seen that our customers need specialist MICE travel expertise and guidance,” adds Gouws.
Customers will benefit from highly-specialised attention, negotiated rates, premium high-end products, niche experiences as well as the safety and security that comes with a trusted global brand and network.
FCA was the brainchild of Gouws in 2013 when she started the Group’s independent agent brand, beginning with just nine consultants.
FCA and FCA Events and Incentives expect to see an increased growth in the months to come as more travel consultants come on board.
“Some agents are likely to become independent consultants out of necessity; due to the right sizing of many travel businesses due to the effects of the pandemic, while other agents will choose to become independent consultants purely for the flexibility and control of running their own businesses, while enjoying the support and financial backing of a global brand,” concludes Gouws.