Virtuoso has presented its second annual regional Virtuoso Awards at its Australia and New Zealand Forum, which took place 24-26 February at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth with more than 190 attendees.
The regional awards recognise top sales production, growth or engagement within the Australia and New Zealand region, honouring those that consistently demonstrate their commitment to the Virtuoso network.
“Virtuoso’s global growth and evolution are driven by the incredible contributions of our members and partners, much of which happens at the regional level as we look to satisfy a diverse group of travellers and their unique preferences,” said Virtuoso Chairman & CEO Matthew D. Upchurch.
“Through our seven regional Forums worldwide, we are taking the opportunity to recognise members and partners who are elevating their professions and supporting those within this network, while also ensuring an unsurpassed client experience.
“We congratulate the recipients that were honoured with regional awards during our Australia and New Zealand Forum and thank them for their critical role in helping maintain the Virtuoso network’s collective leadership position within the industry.”
The awards were announced at a gala event last night. The winners are as follows:
SOUTHERN CROSS AWARD
This award recognises one member that goes above and beyond in engagement, activism, advocacy, sponsorship and the promotion of Virtuoso in Australia and New Zealand. They embody the commitment, humility and spirit of human connection within the Virtuoso network and are an example of what matters most to members, partners and travellers.
Winner: Mike Dwyer, Main Beach Travel
MOST ENGAGED
Collaboration is one of Virtuoso’s core values, and this award recognises a travel agency member and preferred partner with the highest engagement based on participation within the Virtuoso network.
Member winner: Mosman Travel
Partner winner: Viking
TOP PRODUCERS
These awards recognise members and partners with the highest overall network sales per category.
Member winners:
- Cruise Top Producer: Travel Associates
- Hotels & Resorts Top Producer: Goldman Travel Corporation
- Tour Top Producer: Travel Associates
- On-Site Top Producer: Goldman Travel Corporation
Partner winners:
- Cruise Top Producer: Viking
- Hotels & Resorts Top Producer: Kokomo Private Island Fiji
- Tour Top Producer: Abercrombie & Kent Australia, Outbound/International
- On-Site Top Producer: Canada by Design Powered by Discover Holidays
HIGHEST ANNUAL GROWTH
These awards acknowledge members and partners with the largest annual year-over-year growth per category.
Member winners:
- Highest Cruise Annual Growth: Bicton Travel
- Highest Hotels & Resorts Annual Growth: Allure Travel by CTM
- Highest Tour Annual Growth: FBI Travel
- Highest On-Site Annual Growth: Y Travel Pty Ltd
Partner winners:
- Highest Cruise Annual Growth: Viking
- Highest Hotels & Resorts Annual Growth: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
- Highest Tour Annual Growth: Abercrombie & Kent Australia, Outbound/International
- Highest On-Site Annual Growth: EXO Travel – Vietnam
Additional regional awards will be announced at each Forum around the world throughout the rest of 2025.
Virtuoso’s coveted Global Awards will continue to recognise top members and partners around the world and are announced at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, taking place this year 9-15 August.
The gala event in Perth wrapped with the exciting announcement of next year’s Forum host destination: Auckland, New Zealand.
In partnership with Tourism New Zealand, the 2026 Australia and New Zealand Forum will be held from 25-27 March 2026, showcasing the unique luxury and sustainable tourism products from across the host destination.
Tourism New Zealand General Manager, Australia Andrew Waddel said, “We’re excited to be hosting the Virtuoso 2026 Australia and New Zealand Forum in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland next March and look forward to welcoming delegates to Aotearoa, New Zealand.
“We hope by immersing themselves in New Zealand’s landscapes, diversity of experiences and meeting more of the industry, delegates will leave feeling our manaakitanga (reciprocity, generosity and hospitality) and have increased confidence in being able to share what New Zealand has on offer for their clients.
