Innovation is a Flight Centre hallmark
IAN STALKER
Flight Centre Travel Group is taking innovative steps to ensure that it’s able to find needed staff.
The agency group has recently reached out in a new manner aimed at attracting employees and that is paying dividends, says Chadd Andre, vice president for Flight Centre Canada
“At Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), we continuously innovate to attract the best talent,” Andre says. “This year, we launched a Fast Track Program in Toronto, designed to attract recent graduates and young professionals. While we are in the recruitment phase, the initiative has already received widespread interest, with over 400 applications. It’s no surprise that our talent acquisition efforts attract so much attention with our Great Place to Work certification, comprehensive health and wellness benefits—including extended health care, dental coverage, and an Employee Assistance Program — we prioritize our team’s well-being. Our unique perks, such as extensive vacation leave, sabbatical opportunities, and generous travel benefits, set us apart. What’s more, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with programs like tuition reimbursement, employee referral incentives, and our interactive recruitment process, demonstrate our dedication to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace culture. Here, employees can thrive and grow.
“Our approach to workplace equity sets industry benchmarks with women holding 63% of senior leadership roles in our Canadian operations—more than double the national average of 30.9%, according to Statistics Canada. This is a testament to our progressive stance. Moreover, we proudly acknowledge that 11% of our workforce identifies as LGBTQ2IA+, and 10% as persons with disabilities.”
Andre adds that it is determined that its agents feel appreciated.
“At FCTG, we live by our core values of irreverence, egalitarianism, and ownership, which are not just words but principles we embody daily,” ? says. “We celebrate the success of our team members—both as individuals and as a collective. By promoting a transparent and accessible environment, and providing ample opportunities for both personal and professional growth, we ensure that every member of our team feels valued and empowered to take ownership of their journey with us.”
Meanwhile, Andre is quick to praise Flight Centre’s Fast Track Program, which is being made available in a growing number of cities.
“While age is not the defining factor, we’ve seen a growing interest in joining FCTG’s Fast Track Program. Initially launched in Toronto and Boston, and expanding to other cities in Canada and the U.S., this initiative offers a structured pathway for high potential individuals to become future leaders within FCTG,” Andre says. “The program provides hands-on experience, mentorship from senior executives, and personalized career development opportunities spanning three distinct phases: Business, Leadership and Senior Leadership—preparing participants for executive level positions. The goal is to accelerate careers and promote growth and development across various company divisions.”
Andre says the manner in which it treats its agents has clearly reduced the turnover that hampers growth among some in the travel industry.
“Since 1995, our leisure brand, Flight Centre demonstrates our commitment to excellence and longevity in the travel industry in Canada,” Andre reports.. “An average travel consultant age of 27 and a tenure of 6.3 years, underscores our commitment to providing an environment where employees can thrive. Nicki Clark, a Flight Centre Travel Consultant shares “Flight Centre not only upholds professionalism, but also offers a dynamic and fun work environment. We are approachable, creative, and have a genuine passion for delivering positive experiences to our clients — ensuring every journey is seamless and memorable.”
Among those happily working as a Flight Centre agent is Jenni Washburn, who started her career at 20.
“Taking advantage of all the help offered to you; for instance, attending supplier nights and training, and committing to your own personal development,” Washburn advises. “These tools are invaluable and will ensure success.” Washburn also emphasizes the importance of having fun alongside work saying, “travel when and where you can, you’ll learn so much along the way!”
Meanwhile, Anita Emilio, vice president and general manager for Envoyage, says she’s not simply focused on a numbers game.
“We’re not about growing our numbers — it’s about attracting experienced brand agents and agencies. As Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) new principal independent travel brand, Envoyage’s focus is on cultivating a global community where successful, growth-oriented brand agents and agencies can blossom. By bringing on experienced professionals who share our vision of exceptional service, we’re seeing an upswing particularly in advisor teams expanding through subcontractors. It’s a testament to our collaborative efforts and the strength of our global platform.
