The first-ever Travel Associates Film Festival kicked off in Sydney this week, with the FCTG brand inviting more than 1,000 of its most valued clients to “embark on a journey of luxury and adventure through film.”

The month-long festival is a sophisticated evolution of the brand’s 2024 luxury cruise events, which led to a 34% per cent increase in cruise sales in October 2024 compared to the previous year.

“One of the standout features from our luxury cruise events last year were the incredible cinema presentations – every session remained completely booked out and the feedback from clients was exceptional,” said Travel Associates General Manager Rachel Kingswell.

The festival aims to blend the visual power of cinema with the allure of luxury travel, showcasing some of the world’s most iconic cruise and touring destinations.

“The Travel Associates Film Festival is a first of its kind, immersive event showcasing breathtaking destinations and experiences, where the magic of travel and film collide, allowing clients to explore the world from the comfort of their cinema seats,” Kingswell said.

“It can be difficult to capture the true beauty of our cruise and touring destinations in conversation or typical expo-style events. At our event, clients are invited to truly visualise themselves on their next dream holiday. Think of it as the Cannes Film Festival, but for travel.”

In addition to the cinematic experience, attendees will have access to exclusive pricing and offers from 21 premium travel suppliers, with bookings made directly through Travel Associates advisors.

Travel Associates Business Leader Ken Higgins, who was present at the Sydney launch, highlighted the business value of the event format. “I received multiple deposits on the night and expect even more bookings to come through over the next couple of weeks,” he said.

“For me, the real value of these smaller more personal events is that they create a nurturing environment to strengthen relationships with clients away from the office.”

Following its Sydney debut, the Travel Associates Film Festival will continue in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, before concluding with a VIP finale event in Sydney on Thursday, 25 September.