Travel Associates advisors jump from Virtuoso to FCTG’s Luxury Travel Collection

Travel Associates advisors jump from Virtuoso to FCTG’s Luxury Travel Collection

Around 80 per cent of Travel Associates agents who were part of the Virtuoso network departed at the beginning of the year and are set to join Flight Centre Travel Group’s Luxury Travel Collection (LTC).

The shift bolsters FCTG’s luxury travel portfolio, which includes Travel Associates and LTC, aligning with the company’s focus on strengthening its position in the growing global luxury travel market.

The Travel Associates agents joined the Virtuoso network as an initial stepping-stone into the luxury market in 2021.

One luxury travel source said the move was triggered by a shift in FCTG’s luxury strategy evolution that will see agents use an in-house service, akin to that of the Virtuoso network.

A Flight Centre Travel Group insider told Travel Weekly that the reported numbers of around 80 per cent, or 50 agents exiting, was accurate.

FCTG announces foundation cohort of new Luxury Travel Collection

The LTC agency network was established just over a year ago with foundation members including: Carole and Phil Smethurst with Bicton Travel and Claremont Travel & Cruise; Stuart Ingram and Destination HQ; Stephen Green and Travel Experts and Hilary and Holly Weir of Dream Maker Travel.

There are now a total of 15 members in the Luxury Travel Collection, which describes itself as the leading global house of luxury travel brands, backed by Flight Centre Travel Group Limited.

Rachel Kingswell is the general manager of Travel Associates, which describes itself as, “a boutique travel agency with a total focus on uncompromising customer service bringing together the most knowledgeable and well travelled advisors across Australia.”

Virtuoso declined to comment when contacted by Travel Weekly.

Additional reporting: Sofia Geraghty 

Feature image: Travel Associates transforms Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal to launch luxury cruise season. Rachel Kingswell (centre).

Latest News

  • Events

AIME 2025 is underway!

If you're headed down to AIME we hope you brought your networking shoes because it's going to be big!

  • Events

IAAPA Expo Asia 2025 opens exhibitor registration

The IAAPA Expo Asia, the premier amusement industry trade show in the Asia-Pacific, has opened exhibitor registrations for its 2025 event on 30 June to 3 July in Shanghai. This international extravaganza showcases the newest technological advancements and innovative solutions in the attractions industry from more than 300 exhibitors, with over 10,000 attendees expected to […]