Virtuoso concluded its 38th annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas with an elegant awards gala honouring the advisors (including a few Canadians), member agencies and preferred partners whose contributions strengthened the luxury network and the broader travel industry over the past year.
Serving as the grand finale of the week, the event was held at Bellagio and hosted by comedian and actor Patrick Kielty (host of The Late Late Show).
Serving as the grand finale of the week, 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 worldwide.
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)
Through exceptional service and the power of innovation, Delta Air Lines delivers a world-class customer experience on up to 5,500 daily Delta and Delta Connection flights to more than 300 destinations on six continents, connecting people to places and to each other.
BEST BRAND HOTEL
Recognizes an iconic hotel that epitomizes excellence in luxury hospitality.
- Winner: Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Situated on sacred land marked by royal fishponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens and alluring beaches, Mauna Lani – meaning “mountain reaching heaven,” is an inspiring spiritual haven that captures a distinct sense of place deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions. The luxury lifestyle resort from Auberge Resorts Collection is defining a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaii following a resort-wide re-imagination and renovation. The resort boasts contemporary guest rooms and suites, five private bungalow residences, five extraordinary restaurants and lounges, three distinct pools, a signature spa and wellness haven, Kainalu active pursuits program, Living Culture program and an interactive Holoholo Kids Circle – all complemented by Auberge’s intuitive and gracious service.
BEST INDEPENDENT HOTEL
Recognizes an independently operated hotel that sets the standard for personalized service and memorable stays.
- Winner: De L’Europe Amsterdam
The story of De L’Europe Amsterdam reads like your favourite book. This monumental establishment intertwined its roots with the city’s foundation. De L’Europe is known as one of the oldest, family-owned, hotels in the heart of Amsterdam and with all famous cultural landmarks at only a stone’s throw away, it is the perfect homecoming after a full day of exploration. Next to the luxurious oasis of comfort, it is also home to a state-of-the-art wellness centre, gym, concept store IN-HUYS and an extensive range of culinary experiences. The two MICHELIN-star conscious fine-dining restaurant Flore, the classic French Brasserie Marie, the authentic Italian Trattoria Graziella, speakeasy bar Chapter 1896 and the iconic Freddy’s Bar can all be found under one roof here.
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
Faena New York has made its home in West Chelsea, just steps from the High Line, a neighbourhood celebrated for its rich tapestry of art, architecture, and culture. Following transformative debuts in Buenos Aires and Miami Beach, Faena brings its signature style and visionary ethos to Manhattan, a heartfelt homage to the city’s dynamic spirit. Within their world, guests experience bold design, vibrant nightlife, and immersive entertainment. Tierra Santa Healing House, a South American-inspired sanctuary devoted to renewal and ritual, Faena New York introduces a singular blend of art, culture, service, and celebration – thoughtfully crafted to honour the city’s essence and deliver a timeless experience that defies convention. It is designed for those who seek inspiration, transformation and magic in the heart of Manhattan.
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
At Airelles Palladio, Venice, Etienne Petitpez leads with the vision, warmth and attention to detail that distinguish the industry’s finest hoteliers. Set on Giudecca Island in a restored 16th-century property, just five minutes by boat from the heart of Venice, the resort offers refined accommodations, exceptional dining, four pools, a children’s club and a multi-level Guerlain spa, creating a rare retreat that balances seclusion with immediate access to the city. Petitpez’s impact is evident not only in the care extended to guests, but in the culture he creates for his team, leading with the same generosity, respect and attentiveness that define the guest experience.
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
Dedicated to showing the most authentic and luxurious side of Greece to passionate travellers from around the world, Eclectic Greece’s team of experts’ craft high-end, tailor-made itineraries. Each journey becomes an indulgent, bespoke leisure experience, leaving a lasting impression.
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
Project Expedition is a premium tours and activities supplier offering day tours, shore excursions, multi-day trips, transfers, attraction tickets and custom itineraries in destinations around the world.
BEST TOURISM BOARD
Recognizes a tourism board partner that epitomizes excellence and is highly engaged with the Virtuoso advisor membership.
- Winner: Tourism Australia
Tourism Australia’s purpose is to invite the world to experience the Australian way of life and its vision is to be the most desirable and memorable destination on earth. Big, bold and colourful, Australia is utterly unique. From sensational coastlines to diverse nature and wildlife, Australia offers some of the most memorable experiences on earth. A place where vibrant, cosmopolitan cities fringe pristine beaches and harbours, and cultural attractions reflect the diversity of our population, visitors are welcomed to learn about Indigenous traditions and celebrate the Australian way of life.
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
A global leader in travel protection, Allianz Partners consistently raises industry standards for partners and their customers. Enhancing travel experiences with innovative protection and award-winning service, Allianz Partners helps accelerate partners’ growth and strengthen their customer relationships with dedicated support, worldwide expertise, and sophisticated marketing.
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 honouring 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 honours 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 honour 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
More than 4,800 attendees from 105 countries attend Virtuoso Travel Week, which was held across Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
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