Virtuoso Travel Week has held its global awards, recognising “world-class talent” who shape luxury experiences, with MTA’s Donna Jones and Spencer Travel taking out top gongs.
The awards were held during the 37th annual Virtuoso Travel Week, which attracted 4,700 attendees from 105 countries.
Held at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, elected members of Virtuoso’s boards and committees voted on nominations from a survey of the Virtuoso network.
Donna Jones, owner of Luxury Travel Style MTA was awarded ‘Most Admired Advisor’.
The award acknowledges “experienced advisors throughout Virtuoso’s various regions who demonstrate unparalleled leadership and vision, an unrelenting passion for the industry, an engaged commitment to the Virtuoso network and an astute appreciation for detail”.
Jones says winning this award “has been an absolute highlight, especially on such a respected stage”.
“The award highlights my expertise, passion, and dedication in creating the most incredible experiences for my clients. Virtuoso has been key in providing the platform for the wonderful, elevated, bespoke travel experiences that I arrange.
“I am so incredibly proud to be part of the Virtuoso network and elated to have been recognised with this award.”
Meanwhile, Spencer Travel was awarded Best Agency Culture, acknowledging “the crucial role that culture plays in driving organisational success, attracting top talent and fostering employee engagement and satisfaction… that prioritise their employees’ wellbeing and create inclusive cultures”.
Spencer Travel Owner Penny Spencer says, “We’re committed to building a supportive, inclusive workplace that attracts the best in the business, fosters long-term careers, and champions flexibility and wellbeing”.
“Thank you to Virtuoso, our incredible team, and the clients and partners who make it all possible.”
It’s been a year of success for Spencer Travel, with Penny Spencer recently awarded the inaugural btTB ‘Legendary Contribution to Travel’ honour.
The award specifically celebrates her work through the not-for-profit TIME (Travel Industry Mentor Experience) program, which she founded 16 years ago to foster mentorship, professional development, and community across the Australian travel industry.
Since then, TIME has mentored more than 400 future leaders, offering them guidance from senior industry professionals.
Other winners at the Virtuoso 2025 Global Awards included:
- Best Airline: Delta Airlines
- Best Brand Hotel: Regent Hong Kong
- Best Independent Hotel: The Dewberry Charleston
- Best new or Reimagined Hotel: Regent Santa Monica Beach
- Hotelier of the Year: The Place Firenze General Manager Claudio Meli
- Best Onsite Partner: Imago Artis Travel, Italy
- Best Tour Operator: Tauck
- Best Tourism Board: Switzerland Tourism
- Best Specialty or Insurance Partner: Travelex Insurance Services
- Best Expedition Cruise Experience: Ponant
- Best Ocean Luxury Cruise Experience: Explora Journeys
- Best Contemporary and Premium Ocean Cruise Experience: Oceania Cruises
- Best River Cruise Experience: AmaWaterways
- Best Niche Cruise Experience: Windstar Cruises
For more information, visit Virtuoso.
