A Decade of inVOYAGE: Richard, Co-founder of inVOYAGE reflects on the last 10 years
As inVOYAGE marks its 10th anniversary, we sit down with Co-Founder, Richard, to reflect on the milestones, challenges, and aspirations that have defined the inVOYAGE story so far as well as hints at what lies ahead for this ever-growing community…
Richard Joslin
Co-Founder
Emily, inVOYAGE: It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years now since inVOYAGE’s first event in Sintra. What inspired the creation of inVOYAGE and looking back at the last ten years, how do you think inVOYAGE has evolved from its beginnings to where it is now?
Richard, Co-Founder: Our vision at inVOYAGE has already been about providing a focus for our clients in the meetings & incentives industry and that meant identifying really early on the top event professionals in the world that place groups at a very high level, understanding their business needs and creating an entirely focused environment for which they can select venues, hotels and destinations that deliver at that luxury level.
In terms, of how the brand has evolved, I think back to 2014, when we held our first event in Sintra at the Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa, and it’s amazing to see how much we’ve grown. Of course, we’ve always focused on quality, and that hasn’t changed. But as the demand has increased year on year, it’s been a real privilege to watch us grow from one event annually to two, three and then four. Of course, the pandemic disrupted things, but aside from that, it’s been 10 years of continued growth and refinement, and for that we feel truly blessed.
Looking back, I’m so proud of the trust placed in us by hotel brands, destination specialists, events agencies and corporate professionals worldwide who continue to engage with us year after year. It’s incredible to see how this community has grown and become such an integral part of the DNA here at inVOYAGE and we really couldn’t have asked for a better team around us – from all our creative partners over the last ten years to our clients and all our inVOYAGERS.
Emily: And looking back, what are some of the most memorable milestones or highlights from the past 10 years?
Richard: Every destination has been extraordinary and every event warrants credit in its own right, but of course, along the way, there have been moments that stand out for me. Year three, for example, comes to mind, when we did the pre-opening of the Palazzo Versace in Dubai. Not just because of the venue, but because of the people in the room. I remember standing there on the opening night and it just felt like a real turning point for me—everything started clicking into place – the community we’d built here and the level we were working at. Another major milestone, of course, had to be navigating through the pandemic. I’m sure I can speak for a lot of business owners when I talk of the challenges of keeping the brand alive and relevant during such a challenging time. So, coming out the other side stronger with a larger team on the ground, 2 events in 2022 and then 3 the following year was a special moment for us. And then of course there was Cape Town where we came together as a community and raised over ZAR 41,700 in our mission to combat Child Hunger and leave a positive industry-led footprint. A real tribute to the power of connection and what we can do as a community to help spark positive change in our surroundings.
But of course, for both Debbie and I, as business owners, inVOYAGE’s 10-year anniversary isn’t just about reflecting on the past few years but it’s also about looking ahead. We never stop thinking about the future and what else is on the horizon for inVOYAGE. We come here time and time again because we truly believe in the concept and vision we’ve built here at inVOYAGE and the quality we can serve our clients. Looking ahead there are a lot of exciting plans in the works and it’s a very exciting time to be a part of inVOYAGE.
Emily: So, what does the future look like for inVOYAGE?
Richard: Oh I’m not going to tell you that! But what I can say is that 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for us. We’re stretching our legs a little bit in terms of looking at longer haul destinations and we want to ramp up the experiential side of the event and create more wild opportunities and great experiences for our clients to get involved in. Next year we’re headed to some very exciting destinations with our debut into the Latin American market, an incredibly exciting programme in Abu Dhabi and ending the year on a high with Sri Lanka’s hottest new hotel opening in Colombo.
So, looking forward, we’re very excited.
Emily: Very exciting! And as a business owner is there any advice you would give to those looking to set up in the luxury travel or events industry?
Richard: I’m not sure I'm the one to give advice but if there’s one thing I’ve always lived by it’s the power of belief. Believe in your dreams, believe in what you’re doing and do it from the heart. In fact, it’s something I was reminded of earlier this year during our event in Girona because you only have to look at Joan Roca and what he's created with his brothers to realise that anything is possible and if you only dare to believe, you really can accomplish anything you put your heart to. So, if there’s something you believe in, have conviction in those beliefs, apply yourself, put your heart to it and there you’ll find your focus.
Emily: I think we can all take a lot of inspiration from that; whichever field we’re in. Thank you and here’s to 10 years of inVOYAGE – a decade of growth, resilience and unforgettable moments. Cheers to all our inVOYAGERS and the exciting future that lies ahead!
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