Part 1: Jozef’s Speech
Good evening, everyone.
Today we are gathered here to celebrate our 25th anniversary. It is a milestone we can be truly proud of. Twenty-five years ago, Gerard and I set out on this adventure.
Looking back on those 25 years, we have celebrated memorable milestones, earned recognition through several awards, and achieved remarkable growth. At the same time, we have navigated significant challenges, including the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical changes. It was precisely those moments that proved just how strong our relationships are, and just how much trust and problem-solving power exist within Untamed Travelling. And that instills confidence for the future.
What that future will bring is, of course, hard to predict. One thing we know for sure: AI is going to have a massive impact, and that impact will only grow. We are at the dawn of a new era in the way we think, work, and do business. Meanwhile, we are already embarking on another adventure: our launch on the international market. That, too, will undoubtedly bring its share of challenges, but above all, it offers incredible opportunities.
All in all: 25 years full of challenges, but above all, 25 years in which we continually found solutions and moved forward. And that might just be the greatest victory of these 25 years: that we are still standing here today, stronger and with unwavering ambition for the future.
So as we look back on 25 years today, let’s celebrate what we have achieved together. And at the same time, let’s look forward to everything that is still possible. 25 years of existence. 25 years of challenges. 25 years of victories. And hopefully many more wonderful years ahead for us together.
One last thing I want to say before I pass the mic: without Gerard, standing right next to me, this adventure would never have succeeded. Thank you all, and I wish you a wonderful and, above all, festive evening!
Part 2: Joyce’s Speech
Good evening everyone,
25 Years of Untamed Travelling: what a celebration!
Right from the start, we’ve mostly worked from home. Long before remote work became the norm, we were already doing it. Sometimes colleagues work together for months, talking almost every day, without ever having met in person. And yet, when we do get together, within five minutes it feels like we sit in the same office every day.
When we meet up in Horssen, we often still gather around the very same table where plans have been made and decisions taken for years. It’s even the table where most colleagues once had their job interviews. A tremendous amount has changed in 25 years, but that table is still there. And somehow, I find that really beautiful.
What I love about Untamed is that people are given the space and trust to take initiative, take responsibility, and grow as individuals.
Of course, things go wrong sometimes. That’s part of traveling. But that’s precisely when you see what kind of team you have. There’s always someone ready to step in, brainstorm, or say, “Come on, let’s get this sorted.” And that’s why I especially want to thank our colleagues for your dedication and for always being there for one another.
But… we didn’t do it alone. Our retail partners are, of course, a big part of that. We’ve been working with many of you for years, and it’s wonderful to have you here tonight.
And to our agents from around the world, I’d like to say a few words in English. Many of you have been working with us for years, and you are an important part of Untamed Travelling. We may usually be far apart, but… it’s truly special to have you here with us tonight.
Ultimately, we do all of this for our travelers: for people who have something to celebrate, who are going on a trip with their family, or who are finally taking that journey they’ve dreamed of for years. When you hear afterward what such a trip meant to someone, you remember exactly why we LOVE doing this work so much.
Jozef and Gerard founded Untamed Travelling 25 years ago. But what grew out of that was built together by so many people. Past and present colleagues, our agents, retail partners, and our travelers. Looking around tonight, I find it truly special that so many of those people are gathered right here.
Here’s to 25 years of Untamed. And to everyone who is a part of it.
Part 3: A Tribute to the Entire Untamed Traveling Team
Jozef Verbruggen is Untamed Travelling’s “Founder and President,” in every sense of the word. He wanted to create a unique travel brand, one that was unmatched anywhere in the country.
He chose his team based on a deep understanding of human nature and the human spirit. They needed real depth, not just a superficial gloss, to play their role.
A ship needs “depth” to navigate the open seas that far… Jozef steered through stormy waters, past every dangerous shoal.
The ship continued to search for brand-new adventures. Night after night in the wheelhouse, Jozef watched the horizon darken.
At first, the captain surely pondered, filled with many doubts, whether his unique “Untamed” vision would actually work out.
To brew his “magic potion,” the essential ingredients were key… It’s like picking the right crew, both women and men, who are as capable as can be.
Whereas on many other ships, sailors have to bail out the seawater… Today, the Untamed Travelling team is beaming with pride and joy.
For their ship has never sunk or run aground. Without their collective teamwork, UT would no longer exist.
A thorough market study proved to be the first requirement for success… We’re constantly creating new, exciting itineraries for travelers to read.
Attracting top-tier staff, each with their own specialty and skill, it’s a strategy that pays off in the long run, and always will.
Exploring every new destination in person beforehand… It provided the perfect foundation for giving clients an unforgettable experience.
Reliability, transparency, and flexibility, just to name a few… That set UT far apart from all the other players in the game.
A few long-time team members who have been with us since the very beginning, throughout all these years, they never lost their “sacred fire” despite any obstacles or fears.
As captain, you must be able to rely on them completely and wholeheartedly, to continue building and expanding the travel experiences you seek.
A very special mention goes to the Reservations Team. Without them, UT wouldn’t have its “Dutch dream.”
They are on the front lines between local agents and clients every day, answering all those questions with diplomatic skill along the way.
A silver jubilee is a magnificent achievement in modern times… Never slipping into mediocrity as the company grows.
May all of you at UT, in the 25 years to come, let’s continue to uphold the same passion, commitment, and quality as one.
A brilliant golden anniversary will then become a reality in 25 years, if you keep steering the ship on this exact course. That’s wonderful.
For now, enjoy this silver anniversary to the fullest, nothing less!
Both the captain and the crew of UT, all striving for equal success!
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS!!
