-- Leading Luxury Travel Network Expands Global Footprint
CANNES, France, Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtuoso®, the luxury travel network specializing in upscale experiences, is broadening its global reach by announcing its first travel agency members in Europe. Virtuoso has added 16 industry-leading travel agencies in France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom to its highly desirable membership spanning 25 countries, with more than 355 luxury-focused travel agencies and a combined salesforce nearly 9,000 strong.
As is standard practice for this by-invitation-only organization, Virtuoso sought out and vetted interested agencies that represented the best in their given market based on industry reputation as well as luxury product quotient and sales. Agencies that affiliate with Virtuoso benefit from aligning with the industry's most respected and established network, which offers its members well established relationships with world-renowned luxury travel companies and aggregated buying power in excess of (US) $12.5 billion annually.
"We've had our sights set on Europe for years now, but we knew we needed the right agency partners to be successful in this region," said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Virtuoso. "The 16 founding members that now signify our entry into Europe share our passion and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, and they are the ideal ambassadors to further our presence in their respective countries. Much like we've done in other new markets we've entered, be it Australia or in Latin America, we will draw upon the expertise of our members to help carry our value to the customer. Co-creation is at our core and we look forward to working together to establish an umbrella brand that unifies our affiliated agencies and strengthens their individual brands."
Virtuoso proudly welcomes the following travel agencies as its founding European members:
France
Germany
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom
One of the biggest draws for these agencies may be Virtuoso's impressive portfolio of preferred travel providers – more than 1,700 worldwide – that offer affiliated agencies competitive advantages. Clients of Virtuoso agencies receive personalized experiences, exclusive access and enhanced amenities not available through other channels. Additionally, the network's annual meetings and conferences, which are only open to network associates, allow travel advisors to form personal relationships with the top-level executives of these premier travel companies. These carefully cultivated relationships result in recognition and VIP treatment the world over for Virtuoso guests.
Virtuoso is the leader in the luxury sector, and has exacting standards for both travel agency and preferred supplier partners. Providing travelers with advice, access, advocacy and accountability, Virtuoso enhances lives through human connection
For more information on Virtuoso or to view its Advisor Catalogue, visit www.Virtuoso.com.
About Virtuoso: Virtuoso® is the leading network of luxury travel advisors and entities. This by-invitation-only organization comprises 355 agencies with more than 8,900 elite travel specialists in 25 countries throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific and Europe, as well as over 1,700 of the world's best travel providers and premier destinations. The network's member agencies generate over (US) $12.5 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network's affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com. To view Virtuoso's latest videos, go to www.youtube.com/user/VirtuosoTraveler.
Media Contact: Misty Ewing BellesVirtuoso – Director, Public Relations Phone: +1-202-553-8817 E-mail: mewing@virtuoso.com
