Travel Associates, the luxury retail travel brand of Flight Centre Travel Group, premiered a new short film, entitled ‘The Art of the Moment’, in Sydney on Thursday night. A condensed version of the nearly 9 minute long film will be used in mainstream media from this week.
‘The Art of the Moment’ stars Australian creatives including fashion designer and artist, Heidi Middleton; interior and furniture designer, Sarah Ellison; Bundjalung artist, Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal), and
international jewellery designer of McKinney’s Jewellers, Margot McKinney.
The clip also features Travel Associates’ Kate Kneipp, Malcolm Hyslop, Lisa Connelly and Edward Lee – all of whom have been with the boutique agency for decades.
As flagged by LATTE on Friday, the film draws a parallel between renowned designers and the experience and craftsman of a Travel Associates’ advisor. The film (view it in full below) explores the artistry in making something meaningful for someone else – highlighting how each creation, whether a piece of design or a one-of-a-kind holiday, enriches life experience and leaves a lifelong memory.
Approaching 28th anniversary, and now with 60 boutiques in Australia and New Zealand, Travel Associates aligned with consumer facing titles Vogue Australia and Travel + Leisure to launch the film, enabling the parties to “collectively lead the conversation on what’s next for the luxury industry,” said Rachel Kingswell, General Manager of Travel Associates.
“Luxury travel today is much more than where you go. It’s how it makes you feel when you arrive. It’s not one size fits all. It’s personal”
“It’s considered and when done well, it feels effortless – even though we know how much craft goes into making the magic happen.”
“No two journeys are ever quite the same because no two travellers are. Every itinerary is a story in the making, carefully crafted, enriched by local knowledge and elevated by the smallest of details. That’s the heart of what we do.”
Kingswell explained the short film brings to life what Travel Associates’ advisors “strives to achieve every single day”.
Edwina McCann, Editorial Director, Vogue Australia added; “Both our audiences seek more than just travel – they value exclusivity, authenticity, and stories that enrich their lifestyle.”
“Made-to-measure travel is always going to trump off the rack,” said George Epaminondas, Editor of Travel + Luxury Magazine, noting that Australian travellers commonly take four to six week journeys, and that “logistics associated with orchestrating these trips requires customisation.”
The Sydney premiere marked the finale of Travel Associates’ client Film Festival event series, which were held this month in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide, with record sales.
Kingswell said 2025 has been “another truly remarkable year for us.”
Lead image, from left are: Gillan Woodley, Business Leader, Woodley & James Travel Associates; Lisa Connelly, Business Leader, Connelly & Turner Travel Associates; Danielle Galloway, Global Managing Director, Luxury & Independent, Flight Centre Travel Group; Malcolm Hyslop, Business Leader, Wye & James Travel Associates; Rachel Kingswell, General Manager, Travel Associates and Kate Kneipp, Business Leader, Noller & Turner Travel Associates.
