Tyla Mashe Carelse may only have joined the company in 2024, but her journey has already become a shining example of what passion, perseverance and purpose can look like when they collide. From the outset, something about FCTG just felt right for Tyla. The recruitment process wasn’t just professional—it was personal. When the final call came confirming her place, the emotion was too much to hold back. For Tyla, this wasn’t just a new job. It was a new beginning. Tyla after completing her onboarding training, marking the start of her FCTG journey. But just as she began her in-store journey after training, that fresh start was suddenly overshadowed by tragedy. On the very day she and her best friend were meant to celebrate her new chapter, Tyla received devastating news — her friend had passed away in a tragic accident. Despite the heartbreak, Tyla pushed forward. The early days were tough. Adjusting to a demanding new industry while navigating personal loss would test anyone—but she rose to the challenge. With access to endless knowledge, unwavering team support, and a fierce drive to grow, she began laying the groundwork to become an expert in her field. Supplier sessions, training modules, and client interactions all became building blocks in her pursuit of excellence. But her role quickly became more than just logistics and bookings. Tyla discovered a deeper joy—connecting people with the world, regardless of budget. She found purpose in designing journeys, earning client trust, and nurturing long-term relationships. No two days were the same, and the sense of family among her colleagues only strengthened her passion. Tyla pictured with her colleagues — “who have become like family to me.” Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Clients kept coming back—not just for the service, but for the care she put into every interaction. One CEO client even said, “Tyla, you have been amazing. Our company has a designated travel agency, but you’ve truly gone above and beyond—understanding my needs and responding quickly, even on weekends. Thank you.” Recognition followed, but her most meaningful milestone was still ahead. Amid the weight of her loss, Tyla found something even more powerful than grief—a purpose rooted in love and memory. Everything she achieved that year was fuelled by the presence of her best friend in spirit. “My heart was shattered. But I knew she wouldn’t want me to break. It sounds strange, but losing her became my biggest motivation. I did it all for her.” That drive and determination led to Tyla being named South Africa’s Top Novice—a recognition that celebrated not just her performance, but her passion, growth, and inner strength. It was more than a milestone, it was a tribute woven with love—a moment that captured everything she had overcome and everything she had grown into. "The moment I knew I took Top Novice, I was overwhelmed with emotions and so proud that through the loss and through everything else I was still able to achieve my biggest goal of 2025." Tyla’s recognition continued with an invitation to Global Gathering 2025 in Los Angeles—one of FCTG’s greatest celebrations of its people. Surrounded by top performers from around the world, she travelled, connected, and experienced the heart of the company’s culture. It reminded her that FCTG wasn’t just a place to work—it was a home full of culture and love. Tyla pictured alongside her colleagues at this year’s GG25 in Los Angeles. Reflecting on her path, Tyla recognises how much she’s grown—not just as a consultant, but as a person. She’s gained the skills to navigate a complex industry, the strength to face profound loss, and the confidence to build a career filled with meaning. For those just starting out at FCTG, Tyla’s advice is simple: be curious, stay adaptable, and embrace the adventure. It won’t always be easy, but if you’re willing to learn and lean on the people around you, the journey can be life-changing. Tyla’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when you are supported, valued, and surrounded by a caring community. At FCTG, we uplift and recognise every individual’s unique path. If Tyla’s story has touched you, we invite you to explore our open roles and join a family that truly believes in your potential and will stand by you every step of the way. Check out our current opportunities today!

Welcoming our newest team members to the FCTG family, our people experienced an action-packed day learning about our business and benefits, Flightie style of course, led by National Trainer, Georgia Haynes and her co-pilot Recruitment Specialist Kelly Clarke. ❤️ FCTG Values and Philosophies from our new Global Head of People & Culture Allisa O'Connell 💰 Financial Services Benefits from Moneywise Global Pty Ltd 💪 Wellness Benefits from Kate aka "Killa" of Healthwise Global ✈️ Travel Benefits from Emm of Travelwise. 🫶 'Giving' business Flight Centre Foundation with Leader Suzi 👏 Inspiring business updates from Global Leisure CEO James Kavanagh. The 'active' day also includes a Southpoint Amazing Race, always a highlight!

Flight Centre's s Global Managing Director Andrew Stark braved the elements last week with other Brisbane business leaders to raise funds to fight homelessness, sleeping rough at The Gabba as part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. The CEO Sleepout, organised annually by St Vincent de Paul Society Australia (Vinnies), is a national initiative that raised $8.6 million in 2024 to support Australians experiencing homelessness. Funds go directly toward providing emergency accommodation, food, healthcare, and long-term support services. This marked Starky’s third year participating in the event, in both Australia and South Africa, and his second year joined by a formidable team of corporate changemakers known as the GOATS Team – a group of high-profile executives committed to making a tangible difference. “As someone who travels frequently for work, I’m constantly reminded of the privilege of having a safe place to return to,” Starky said. His efforts saw him raise $26,321, earning him a spot in Brisbane’s top 10 fundraisers.

Amidst the fun of the AI Action Figure trend, it got Laurel thinking about the new “digital twins” in the travel world: AI tools. Laurel’s an Aussie travel agent who specialises in cruise ⚓ with 8 years’ experience under her belt. She’s had a front-row seat to how AI is showing up in our industry – sometimes as a helpful co-pilot, other times as a bit of a loose cannon. AI has made it easier than ever to find detailed destination info. Need ideas for a day in Dubrovnik? Want off-the-beaten-track eats in Osaka? AI can whip that up in seconds. It can help agents add depth to itineraries, find creative options faster, and get through admin tasks like email, data entry, or content writing with a little more ease. But here’s the thing—AI doesn’t know travel the way a real travel agent does. It doesn’t ask the right follow-up questions, understand cruise line nuances, or know that your client doesn’t like tender ports, and it definitely doesn’t want to fly [bleep😉]. It doesn’t catch when a suggested itinerary includes an unachievable connection or when a ship docks somewhere for only four hours—not long enough to do what’s been planned. There are real benefits to using AI in our day-to-day. Laurel has used it to brainstorm social content, summarise supplier updates, and research lesser-known ports of call to add value for her clients. But she also sees the risks when travellers rely entirely on AI for trip planning—especially for cruises or complex itineraries. That’s when things can go wrong. Terribly, terribly wrong. Where AI supports our travel agents best is behind the scenes: research, writing, admin, automation. But when it comes to designing holidays around someone’s needs, building trust, managing expectations, and troubleshooting in real time? That’s still human work. That’s what we do. So yes, AI can wear the costume, but it doesn’t become the travel agent. Just like those dolls—it might look like Laurel (or a slightly different version of her), but it’s not going to book a cruise, advocate for a free upgrade, or make sure her clients know which deck to avoid on embarkation day. The future of travel might include a digital twin or two, but the real magic still happens in human conversations, with travel agents who know their stuff, care deeply, and want you to have the best trip possible. So, Laurel feels safe and will carry on living her best life as a Flight Centre Travel Agent. ❤️ Join a business that’s complemented, not interrupted, by the rise of AI tools. Join the fun Flight Centre crew today! 👉 FCTG Careers Smooth Sailing, Laurel 🛳️

when Elizabeth (Liz) Stewart started at a Flight Centre store on the Gold Coast in January 2019, she instantly felt at home. “I absolutely loved my first 12 months there,” she says. “It was fast-paced, people-focused, and just really fun.” Liz pictured in her FCTG Travel Consultant uniform. Then came an unexpected chapter. As the travel industry navigated the impacts of COVID-19, Liz remained with the business—and that experience, while different from anything she’d faced before, only strengthened her connection to the company. “I was really grateful to stay on during that time. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the culture and support we have at Flight Centre.” By early 2022, Liz was ready for a fresh challenge. Having previously lived in London, she felt a strong pull back to the UK—and in May of that year, she made the leap and joined FCM Meetings & Events. At the time, M&E was still a relatively new part of the business, offering her a unique opportunity to learn and gain deeper insight into how the company truly operates. Her drive didn’t go unnoticed. Just six months into the role, Liz was promoted to Assistant Manager—a position in which she thrived for nearly three years. But earlier this year, it was time for another evolution. Liz transitioned into the People & Culture team, stepping into a new challenge with responsibility for employee benefits across the business. “This has felt like the most natural move yet,” she explains. “I’ve always been super interested in people, connection, wellbeing, and workplace culture. Now I get to play a part in improving our people’s physical and mental health—which are things that have always been important to me.” For Liz, wellbeing goes beyond just ticking boxes—it's a fundamental value. "I love that our efforts in this area can have a direct and positive impact on people's lives," she says. Whether it's providing support, fostering connections, or simply ensuring someone feels appreciated and cared for—each element holds great importance to her. Liz believes that by concentrating on these aspects, they can cultivate a more supportive and inclusive environment that boosts both physical and mental health. Looking Back. Looking back, Liz admits she couldn’t have predicted this path. “If you’d told me six years ago—when I was a leisure travel agent on the Gold Coast—that I’d be working in a corporate office in London, managing employee benefits, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.” So, what advice does she have for others forging their own path? Keep an open mind. Say yes. Liz believes that embracing new people, learning new things, and exploring new places can open unexpected doors. Throughout her journey, one piece of advice has resonated with her: "You don't need to have all the answers—just know where to find them." A simple yet powerful guiding principle helped Liz overcome self-doubt and embrace personal growth. Her journey highlights the importance of staying open to new opportunities and having faith in the process, as each step plays a role in building a fulfilling career. At FCTG, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment that promotes personal growth and meaningful contributions. Liz's journey exemplifies how this atmosphere motivates employees to seek roles that enrich the FCTG experience. This vibrant setting encourages the pursuit of varied opportunities, enabling individuals to align their careers with their personal values and goals. Discover your own bright future like Liz: Check out our current opportunities today!

🎧 Tune in to hear the remarkable career story of Brett S. Smith, our Global Leadership & Professional Development Leader. From Durban, South Africa, where he started as a Travel Consultant, to his leadership role today, Brett's 26-year "Flightie" journey is truly inspiring. 🙌 Discover his key moments, valuable insights, and the unique aspects of our company culture that he believes set us apart. A huge thank you to Brett for shining brightly at Flight Centre Travel Group!

For nearly half a century Graham 'Skroo' Turner has been a true pioneer of adventure—beginning his journey in 1973 with Topdeck, taking bus trips across Europe, North Africa, and Asia. His energetic spirit is only matched by his dedication to health and wellness, both personally and professionally. Hover message Hover message Hover message

Rachael Knowles began her FCTG journey in 2013, fresh out of the world of journalism, looking for a way to earn some cash after realising her career as a local reporter wasn’t paying the rent. Rachael saw it as the perfect opportunity to combine her love of travel with the chance to work for one of the world’s biggest travel brands. She started as a Travel Consultant at the Oxford Street Hyperstore in the UK and immediately fell in love with the vibrant, travel-obsessed culture. Talking about travel all day was a dream come true. Within 1.5 years, Rachael was promoted to Assistant Team Leader at the Monument Hyperstore, where she managed both retail clients and a growing portfolio of FCBT clients.

You may have read a lot of our content tossing around the term “brightness of future”—we love it, you love it, it’s catchy. But let’s be real for a second: what does it actually mean? Is it about neon lights? Glittering prospects? A shiny travel brochure? Well, sort of—but it’s much more than that. At FCTG, brightness of future is a way of life. It’s about creating a workplace, a company, and a world where everyone feels empowered and excited about what’s next. Curious? Let us break it down for you.

Monique Van Gelder started her career at Flight Centre in 2003 as a state marketing manager and is now the global head of products for cruises and tours. With that impressive CV, it is fair to say she knows a thing or two about travel both at a national and international level.