Virtuoso has grown its global footprint, recruiting new members to round out its roster of upscale travel agencies and suppliers.
In the past year, Virtuoso has added to its network 36 new travel agency members with 125 office locations, bringing the total to more than 1,200 member locations in over 50 countries.
In Australia and New Zealand, the network added six new agency members to its exclusive cohort and benefit from the industry and consumer recognition that comes from affiliation with the Virtuoso brand as well as unique offerings.
Membership unlocks a suite of benefits available through Virtuoso’s preferred partner portfolio, which includes more than 2,200 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, destination management companies and specialty providers.
Sales and marketing initiatives, coupled with a robust professional development program, create a competitive advantage, while Wanderlist, Virtuoso’s travel dreaming and planning site, grows client engagement and serves as an entry point to bring new clients into the network creating a pipeline worth more than $150 million in future travel bookings.
“Virtuoso is constantly evolving its sphere of influence, both with consumers and within the industry, by strategically expanding our network,” said chief operating officer Brad Bourland.
“Regardless of geography, the common thread that connects and defines Virtuoso travellers is their desire to work with an experienced professional and service-oriented travel advisor, and that’s never been more apparent than now.
“This network will continue to grow worldwide to meet the demand that will only continue to build in the future. The addition of these 36 agencies, all leaders in their territories as well as on a global front, will help Virtuoso channel pent-up demand into continued success for 2022 and beyond.”
Virtuoso’s newest Aussie members include Aurora Travel, Geelong Travel, Home Travel Company, Noosa Cruise and Travel, Travelling Places and where2travel.
The network has also expanded its Regional Preferred Partner Program, inviting 12 new Australian and New Zealand partners to join its exclusive portfolio of domestic partners and experience providers.
The program, which now has more than 25 regional partners, helps Virtuoso advisors curate luxurious holidays for their clients who prefer to holiday closer to home.
Its newest partners include Shangri-La The Marina, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa, Sofitel Wellington, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa, and The Old Clare Hotel.
Virtuoso also welcomed four tour operators to the network including Australian Geographic Travel, Australian Luxury Escapes, Crooked Compass and Renaissance Tours.
“We are thrilled to welcome such renowned Australian and New Zealand suppliers into the Virtuoso network,” said Fiona Dalton, General Manager, Australia.
“Our collaborative community of luxury travel advisors and travel providers aspire to provide meaningful experiences to Virtuoso clientele, and the inclusion of these new regional partners further enhances their ability to do so.”
