Virtuoso concluded its 36th annual Virtuoso Travel Week with an elegant evening of recognition honouring advisors, member agencies and partners from all corners of the world that have gone above and beyond in the travel industry over the past year. Taking place August 10-16, this year’s Virtuoso Travel Week was held in Las Vegas at Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The (luxury travel) star-studded gala took place August 15 at Bellagio. It resembled a Hollywood affair, complete with a red-carpet entrance and entertainment from Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony® Award-winning actress, singer, author and producer Cynthia Ervio, who is set to star in Universal’s upcoming film adaption of the hit musical WICKED, where she takes on the iconic role of Elphaba, opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda.
While assembling the biggest names in the industry under one roof, Virtuoso shined a spotlight on the network’s most esteemed individuals and brands.
GLOBAL AWARDS
Nominations for the coveted Virtuoso Global Awards came from a survey of the Virtuoso network, and elected members of Virtuoso’s various Boards and Committees voted to determine the winners. Those named as winners in their respective categories will also be showcased in Virtuoso, The Magazine’s November/December issue, which reaches over 200,000 affluent households.
Best Airline recognises an air partner that provides exemplary service.
Winner: Singapore Airlines
Best Hotel recognises an iconic hotel that epitomises excellence in luxury hospitality.
Winner: Bulgari Hotel Roma
Bulgari Hotel Roma brings the renowned Italian fashion house’s charms to the Eternal City. An instantly iconic destination given Rome’s role as Bulgari’s hometown and endless font of inspiration, the property occupies an illustrious address at Piazza Augusto Imperatore in the heart of the Campo Marzio district.
Best New or Reimagined Hotel recognises a hotel that is either newly opened (within the last 12 months) or has re-opened after an extensive renovation resulting in a new hotel experience.
Winner: Raffles London at the OWO
Raffles London at The OWO debuted last year at one of the city’s most historically significant addresses. The landmark Grade II* listed former Old War Office underwent a monumental and meticulous transformation, reopening to the public for the first time since 1906 as The OWO. The building, once inhabited by Britain’s most famous statesmen and spies, from Winston Churchill to Ian Fleming, is now home to the UK’s first Raffles hotel with 120 rooms and suites.
Hotelier of the Year recognises an experienced hotel manager who demonstrates unparalleled leadership and vision, an unrelenting passion for the industry, an engaged commitment to the network of Virtuoso travel advisors and an astute appreciation for detail.
Winner: Simone Giorgi / Park Hyatt Milano
Best On-site recognises an on-site partner, based in a given region, that creates outstanding customised experiences that make the destination come to life.
Winner: Leonidas Travel – Croatia
Leonidas Travel forges personal connections between travelers and Croatian locals, such as villagers who still make traditional Pag lace and fine silk by hand, winemakers in their family-tended vineyards and well-known chefs who open their homes for a private cooking lesson. Leonidas’ vibrant team can unlock hidden doors and meet the highest expectations, carefully selecting the best of the best in local guides, chauffeurs, skippers for private yacht charters and more.
Best Tour Operator recognises a tour operator or wholesaler partner with the most compelling vacation options and itineraries, whether FIT or escorted.
Winner: Wilderness
Wilderness is a sustainable luxury travel operator offering safaris and journeys in some of the most breathtaking, remote wild destinations in the world. What started as a passionate group of Botswana guides in 1983 is now a world-leading conservation and hospitality company, responsible for protecting and sharing over 6 million acres (2.3 million hectares) of wilderness across the planet.
Best Tourism Board recognises a tourism board partner that epitomises excellence and is highly engaged with the Virtuoso advisor membership.
Winner: Switzerland Tourism
Switzerland Tourism is dedicated to promoting the best of Switzerland’s nature, authenticity, sustainability and modernity, under the overall concept of “Swissness.” Working in close collaboration with local tourism partners and suppliers, its mission is to continue reinforcing Switzerland’s title as a global leader in sustainability by encouraging travelers to use electric public transportation, solar powered ski lifts, e-cars and much more.
Best Specialty or Insurance Partner recognises a partner that provides stellar service focused on insurance, auto rental, private jet and other areas that are vital to the success of a trip.
Winner: Axus Travel App
Axus creates a transparent, unified travel experience by aggregating disparate confirmations, organising travel details and communicating updates and changes in real time. Live flight tracking, push notifications, in-app messaging and more ensure clients are always informed. Efficiencies for the travel advisor include automated syncing with ClientBase, Live GDS import, ability to collaborate with any Virtuoso on-site/DMC, parsing of vendor confirmations and live flight lookup.
Respected Agency Culture: Presented for the first time this year, this award acknowledges the crucial role that culture plays in driving organisational success, attracting top talent and fostering employee engagement and satisfaction, by honouring an agency that prioritises their employees’ well-being and creates inclusive cultures.
Winner: Brownell Travel
Respected Achievement Award: Presented for the first time this year, this award recognises an experienced advisor who demonstrates unparalleled leadership and vision, an unrelenting passion for the industry, an engaged commitment to the Virtuoso network and an astute appreciation for detail.
Winner: Gaby Galvez / NUBA
VIRTUOSO SELECTED AWARDS
Luminary: The Luminary Award recognises a Virtuoso partner that upholds the highest professional standards, serves as a leader in their industry and embodies the spirit of the Virtuoso network through their dedication and engagement. The recipient of this award exudes brilliance and sets a standard for others to follow. The winner of this award is selected internally by Virtuoso leadership.
Winner: Micato Safaris
Rising Star: This award recognises the outstanding achievements of a new-to-industry Virtuoso travel advisor. The winner of this award is determined by Virtuoso’s member relations team based on advisors’ engagement and production within the Virtuoso network.
Winner: Eli Wagner / Wagner Bespoke Travel, an independent affiliate of Coastline Travel Advisors
Ruby of Siam: The prestigious “Ruby of Siam” is an honour with long standing tradition within Virtuoso since 1987. It is presented to an agency owner or manager who selflessly gives their time, effort and wisdom to elevate Virtuoso’s collective reputation and perceived value. The winner of this award is selected internally by Virtuoso leadership.
Winner: Jay Johnson / Coastline Travel Advisors
Virtuoso wishes to congratulate all recipients who were honoured this year. Photos available upon request. And for more details on Virtuoso’s network of world’s best travel agencies, advisors and preferred partners, please visit www.Virtuoso.com.
