Travel agents were once revered as the gatekeepers of all travel data – they were the go-to for any material on anything air, cruise, rail or tour-related.
But in an age of almost instantaneous access to almost any information – what’s the travel agent’s edge?
There are two things, according to Virtuoso’s Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch – they’re the keepers of filtered information and humanity.
Fabulous night with our friends from @dorchestercollection #DCMoments #BeMyPrincipe #VirtuosoWeek pic.twitter.com/LzjsnspwI0
— Brownell Travel (@Brownell_Travel) August 12, 2015
Speaking at the 27th annual Virtuoso Travel Week held in Las Vegas, Upchurch took an opportunity to tell some 4,842 travel professionals where they stand in the modern world.
“True sales is no longer about being the custodian of information. It’s about helping clients find clarity amongst the flood of information online.”
Matthew D. Upchurch, Virtuoso Chairman and CEO
He continued, saying travel advisors are well positioned for the future because they offer one big thing technology can’t – humanity.
“You can’t take the human out of humanity,” he said.
“As technology continues to spread into every facet of life, there is a desire– even a craving – for real human connection.”
The @SeabournCruise & @HALcruises sales team celebrating 25 years of @Virtuoso Voyager Club program. #VirtuosoWeek pic.twitter.com/KRXtj7furN — John Delaney (@JohnDelaneySBN) August 12, 2015
Following the opening address, thousands of travel professionals from 90 countries commenced one-to-one meetings.
Over 450,000 meets were held throughout the event to help agents and providers build relationships that lead to better travel experiences.
Great night volunteering at The Shade Tree with @bennett_mercado #VirtuosoWeek pic.twitter.com/MIgpFmey52
— Brownell Travel (@Brownell_Travel) August 12, 2015
Virtuoso also took the opportunity to honor some of the standout performers within the network.
Joining Upchurch on stage was David Kolner, Virtuoso’s senior vice president of Global Member Partnerships, who announced Virtuoso’s key production awards.
Winners were:
- Top Virtuoso Network Production: Protravel International – New York, New York
- Top Latin America Production: Teresa Perez Tours – São Paulo, Brazil
- Top Australia/New Zealand Production: Goldman Travel Corporation – Bondi Junction, Australia
- Highest Production per Advisor: Churchill & Turen, Ltd. – Naperville, Illinois
- Top Year-Over-Year Growth (Percent): Andavo Travel – Englewood, Colorado
- Top Year-Over-Year Growth (Revenue): Travel Experts, Inc. – Raleigh, North Carolina
- Virtuoso Network Engagement: Valerie Wilson Travel – New York, New York
- Top Virtuoso Air Production: Travel Experts, Inc. – Raleigh, North Carolina
