Annual Virtuoso Awards Gala Celebrates Best in Luxury Travel

Luxury and experiential travel network Virtuoso concluded its 38th annual Virtuoso Travel Week with an awards gala honouring the advisors, member agencies and preferred partners whose contributions have strengthened the company and the broader travel industry over the past year. 

This year’s Virtuoso Travel Week, which took place August 8-14, welcomed more than 4,800 attendees from 105 countries across Las Vegas’ Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa and the Cosmopolitan. 

Hosted by comedian, actor, television and radio presenter Patrick Kielty, best known as host of The Late Late Show, the gala brought together luxury travel leaders from around the globe. 

The evening recognized the network’s most distinguished individuals and brands whose leadership, vision and commitment to excellence are helping set the standard for the industry. 

Global Awards

Nominations for the 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. 

BEST AIRLINE  

Recognizes an air partner that provides exemplary service.   

Winner: Delta Air Lines (AF, KL, VS, AM, KE) 

BEST BRAND HOTEL 

Recognizes an iconic hotel that epitomizes excellence in luxury hospitality. 

Winner: Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection 

BEST INDEPENDENT HOTEL 

Recognizes an independently operated hotel that sets the standard for personalized service and memorable stays. 

Winner: De L’Europe Amsterdam 

BEST NEW HOTEL 

Recognizes a hotel that is either newly opened (within the last 12 months) or has re-opened after extensive renovations resulting in a new hotel experience. 

Winner: Faena New York 

HOTELIER OF THE YEAR 

Recognizes 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: Etienne Petitpez / Airelles Palladio, Venice 

BEST ON-SITE 

Recognizes an on-site partner, based in a given region, that creates outstanding customized experiences that make the destination come to life.   

Winner: Eclectic Greece by Kyvernitis Travel 

BEST TOUR OPERATOR 

Recognizes a tour operator or wholesaler partner with the most compelling vacation options and itineraries, whether FIT or escorted.   

Winner: Project Expedition 

BEST TOURISM BOARD  

Recognizes a tourism board partner that epitomizes excellence and is highly engaged with the Virtuoso advisor membership.   

Winner: Tourism Australia 

BEST INSURANCE PARTNER 

Recognizes 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: Allianz Partners 

BEST AGENCY CULTURE 

This award acknowledges the crucial role that culture plays in driving organizational success, attracting top talent and fostering employee engagement and satisfaction, by honoring agencies throughout Virtuoso’s various regions that prioritize their employees’ well-being and create inclusive cultures. 

Canada: Trevello Travel Group 

MOST ADMIRED ADVISORS 

This award honors 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. 

Canada: Patrick Cullinane / Travel Navigators, an independent affiliate of Trevello Travel Group 

RISING STARS 

This award celebrates the outstanding achievements of new-to-industry Virtuoso travel advisors throughout the network’s various regions who demonstrate an exceptional level of production and engagement in the network. 

Canada: Sasha McGrath / Terra Travel Club, an independent affiliate of TTI Travel 

LUMINARY 

The Luminary Award recognizes 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.   

Winner: Rodrigo Esponda / Los Cabos Tourism Board 

RUBY OF SIAM 

The prestigious “Ruby of Siam” is an honor with a 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. This year, Virtuoso recognized: 

Winner: Anthony Goldman / Goldman Travel Corporation