Mosman Travel’s Sharyn Kitchener took out the coveted Southern Cross Award as Virtuoso ANZ honoured 19 members and partners at its third annual regional awards in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
The luxury travel network handed out its 2026 regional awards at a Gala Dinner held at Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) during the Australia and New Zealand Forum, which ran from 23-26 March in partnership with Tourism New Zealand.
MOTAT, home to one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most significant aviation collections, proved a fitting backdrop for an industry built on the promise and possibility of flight.
More than 150 attendees, including agency owners, managers and preferred partners from around the world, gathered for the Forum finale, sponsored by PONANT EXPLORATIONS, which recognised outstanding sales performance, sustained growth and active network engagement.
The night’s marquee honour went to Sharyn Kitchener of Mosman Travel, who was recognised for going above and beyond in engagement, advocacy, sponsorship and the promotion of Virtuoso across Australia and New Zealand.
Most Engaged
Member winner: Home Travel Company
Partner winner: AmaWaterways
Top Producers: Member awards
Top Producing Cruise: MTA – Mobile Travel Agents
Top Producing Hotels & Resorts: Goldman Travel Corporation
Top Producing On-Site: MTA – Mobile Travel Agents
Top Producing Tour Operator: Travel Associates
Top Producers: Partner awards
Top Producing Cruise: Viking
Top Producing Hotels & Resorts: Kokomo Private Island Fiji
Top Producing On-Site: Giltedge – South Africa
Top Producing Tour Operator: Abercrombie & Kent Australia, Outbound/International
Highest Annual Growth: Member awards
Highest Cruise Annual Growth: Geelong Travel
Highest Hotels & Resorts Annual Growth: Frontier Travel
Highest On-Site Annual Growth: ATPI New Zealand
Highest Tour Operator Annual Growth: Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel
Highest Annual Growth: Partner awards
Highest Cruise Annual Growth: Crystal
Highest Hotels & Resorts Annual Growth: JOALI Maldives
Highest On-Site Annual Growth: Nubia Tours – Egypt
Highest Tour Operator Annual Growth: Adventure World
A $100k trip to the North Pole
In a separate lucky draw highlight, Mike Dwyer from Main Beach Travel walked away with a PONANT Le Commandant Charcot cruise for two (hello Mandy Dwyer!) to the North Pole valued at an incredible $100,000.
“Virtuoso’s strength is rooted in the people who drive the network forward every day, demonstrating that human connection translates into business success,” Virtuoso Chair and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch said.
“Our Forum events across the globe spotlight leaders who are shaping the future of luxury travel and delivering exceptional experiences with consistency and care.
“We’re honoured to recognise this year’s regional award recipients and deeply value the role they play in strengthening Virtuoso’s influence.”
The awards marked the third year Virtuoso has recognised regional excellence in Australia and New Zealand, following last year’s ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth.
Additional regional awards will be announced at the Greater China Forum in Bali (1-2 April) and the North and Southeast Asia Forum in Bali (2-3 April), with global awards to follow at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas in August.
Catch up on all of our coverage from the event.
- Virtuoso wraps ANZ Forum with human connection front and centre as Upchurch marks 40 years
- ‘Beware the threat of sameness’: Virtuoso opens Auckland ANZ Forum with timely reminder
- Virtuoso ANZ Forum 2026: Only 7% of clients cancelling travel despite Middle East crisis
Want to experience New Zealand for yourself? Check out Tourism New Zealand’s Explore Self-Famil Programme.
