The Virtuoso Global Awards winners have been honoured at a gala ceremony that wrapped up the 36th annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas.
The Awards, hosted on 15 August Bellagio, recognised the group’s top travel advisors, member agencies and partners from all over the world.
The gala event included a red-carpet entrance and entertainment from Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress, singer, author and producer Cynthia Ervio, who is set to star in Universal’s upcoming film adaption of the hit musical WICKED in the role of Elphaba.
Earlier during Virtuoso Travel Week 2024, the group announced Australian travel advisor Melinda Gregor as its first cruise ambassador winner along with recognising cruise partner winners at Cruise Night Out.
Nominations for the coveted Virtuoso Global Awards came from a survey of the Virtuoso network, and elected members of Virtuoso’s various Boards and Committees voted to determine the winners.
The winners are as follows:
- Best Airline recognises an air partner that provides exemplary service.
Winner: Singapore Airlines - Best Hotel recognises an iconic hotel that epitomises excellence in luxury hospitality.
Winner: Bulgari Hotel Roma - Best New or Reimagined Hotel recognises a hotel that is either newly opened (within the last 12 months) or has re-opened after an extensive renovation resulting in a new hotel experience.
Winner: Raffles London at the OWO - Hotelier of the Year recognises an experienced hotel manager who demonstrates unparalleled leadership and vision, an unrelenting passion for the industry, an engaged commitment to the network of Virtuoso travel advisors and an astute appreciation for detail.
Winner: Simone Giorgi / Park Hyatt Milano - Best On-site recognises an on-site partner, based in a given region, that creates outstanding customised experiences that make the destination come to life.
Winner: Leonidas Travel – Croatia - Best Tour Operator recognises a tour operator or wholesaler partner with the most compelling vacation options and itineraries, whether FIT or escorted.
Winner: Wilderness - Best Tourism Board recognises a tourism board partner that epitomises excellence and is highly engaged with the Virtuoso advisor membership.
Winner: Switzerland Tourism - Best Specialty or Insurance Partner recognises a partner that provides stellar service focused on insurance, auto rental, private jet and other areas that are vital to the success of a trip.
Winner: Axus Travel App - Respected Agency Culture: Presented for the first time this year, this award acknowledges the crucial role that culture plays in driving organisational success, attracting top talent and fostering employee engagement and satisfaction, by honouring an agency that prioritises their employees’ well-being and creates inclusive cultures.
- Winner: Brownell Travel
- Respected Achievement Award: Presented for the first time this year, this award recognises an experienced advisor who demonstrates unparalleled leadership and vision, an unrelenting passion for the industry, an engaged commitment to the Virtuoso network and an astute appreciation for detail.
Winner: Gaby Galvez / NUBA
Virtuoso Selected Awards
- Luminary: The Luminary Award recognises a Virtuoso partner that upholds the highest professional standards, serves as a leader in their industry and embodies the spirit of the Virtuoso network through their dedication and engagement. The recipient of this award exudes brilliance and sets a standard for others to follow. The winner of this award is selected internally by Virtuoso leadership.
Winner: Micato Safaris - Rising Star: This award recognises the outstanding achievements of a new-to-industry Virtuoso travel advisor. The winner of this award is determined by Virtuoso’s member relations team based on advisors’ engagement and production within the Virtuoso network.
Winner: Eli Wagner / Wagner Bespoke Travel, an independent affiliate of Coastline Travel Advisors - Ruby of Siam: The prestigious “Ruby of Siam” is an honour with long standing tradition within Virtuoso since 1987. It is presented to an agency owner or manager who selflessly gives their time, effort and wisdom to elevate Virtuoso’s collective reputation and perceived value. The winner of this award is selected internally by Virtuoso leadership.
Winner: Jay Johnson / Coastline Travel Advisors
For more information visit virtuoso.com
