Aspire is partnering with British Airways Gatwick and One&Only Resorts to whisk 25 agents off to Cape Town for a VIP trip. 

The event, the second edition of Aspire’s The Retreat, will see editor Hollie‑Rae Brader host 25 top luxury sellers and Aspire members on a trip to South Africa. 

The group will fly World Traveller Plus with British Airways direct from Gatwick to Cape Town and stay at One&Only Cape Town (pictured above), where they will be joined by 15 suppliers. The group will network and partake in local experiences.

The December trip will include an educational with operators Knighton Reeve and Carrier each hosting half the agent delegation on either side of The Retreat.

This year’s event follows the successful launch of The Retreat in 2018, which saw Aspire host its top-25 agent partners for a three-night stay at the new Gennadi Grand Resort in Greece just months after the property opened its doors.

The Retreat was introduced after requests from agents to spend more time networking with suppliers in an informal environment.

Brader said: “The first edition of The Retreat, held in Rhodes, was a huge success, with agents and suppliers forging strong business relationships. Many agents went on to make bookings with the suppliers who attended, making the event a win-win for everyone. 

“I’m delighted to be working with British Airways Gatwick and One&Only for this year’s event, which promises to be better still.

“As well as being a great networking opportunity, I’m excited to showcase the wonderful destination of Cape Town to our guests. The trip also acts as a thank you to our agent members and we have some fantastic treats in store to reward them for their continued support in 2019.”

Suppliers already signed up to attend this year’s The Retreat include AmaWaterways, Antiquity, Carrier, Constance Hotels & Resorts, Knighton Reeve, Oceania Cruises, One&Only, Ponant and Silversea Cruises.

The agents to be invited will be selected based on set criteria centred around their involvement with Aspire in 2018. Invitations are to be sent out in the coming weeks.

Speaking after attending last year’s event, Clare Levy of Different Planet Travel said: “Working in luxury travel is all about making the right contacts, so I jumped at the chance to spend some quality time abroad with the best in the industry. 

“It was the perfect combination of work and play, and we really got to know the suppliers, forging what will ultimately be more useful relationships.”

Suppliers keen to find out more about the event should email Hollie-Rae Brader at hollie@travelweekly.co.uk

“British Airways Gatwick is delighted to be working with Aspire on The Retreat in Cape Town, showcasing the brand’s refreshed World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) cabin and services – especially as we celebrate 100 years of the brand.”

Lucie Wesley

British Airways, manager, tourist boards, Gatwick Commercial 

“Working with Aspire to host 25 of the top luxury travel agents in the UK was an opportunity we simply couldn’t pass up. One&Only Cape Town is an extraordinary property – last time I visited I left a little piece of my heart there – and we know 
the Aspire agents will 
be blown away by the resort’s hospitality”

Craig Jeffs

Kerzner International, sales manager, UK leisure sales