Luxury travel network Virtuoso has launched an Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) business division.
Newly appointed general manager Shelby Donley will lead the business unit. As a previous Virtuoso travel agency owner, Donley brings years of industry experience combined with an innate understanding of UHNW clientele and perspective on how to cultivate relationships that serve their unique lifestyle.
Th update follows last week’s news that around 80 per cent of Travel Associates agents who were part of the Virtuoso network departed the network to join Flight Centre Travel Group’s Luxury Travel Collection (LTC).
Travel Associates advisors jump from Virtuoso to FCTG’s Luxury Travel Collection
With the new offering, Virtuoso intends to leverage its well-established reputation in global luxury travel to foster collaborations with world-renowned luxury brands across jewellery, watches, fashion, art, culinary, wine and spirits, luggage, automotive, wellness and more. By expanding its partnerships to reach new industries, Virtuoso strengthens its influence in delivering bespoke offerings through its network of elite travel advisors in a way that specifically caters to the ultra-affluent.
“This new initiative is yet another example of how Virtuoso co-creates with its members, advisors and partners,” said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. “Combining the talents of our network with the talents of our dedicated team has been a winning formula, and I’m excited to see what this dedicated focus will bring.”.
Brad Bourland, Virtuoso’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for this new vertical and role: “The establishment of our UHNW division marks a transformative moment for Virtuoso, enabling us to build stronger relationships with ultra-luxury brands and deliver an unparalleled level of service to our most discerning travellers, and Shelby’s profound expertise in the UHNW market make her the perfect choice to lead this initiative. This is a pivotal step in our ongoing commitment to providing extraordinary value to our members, advisors and partners.”
