Virtuoso awards name "best of the best in luxury travel"

Virtuoso concluded its 36th annual Virtuoso Travel Week with an elegant evening of recognition honouring advisors, member agencies and partners from all corners of the world that have gone above and beyond in the travel industry over the past year. 

Taking place August 10-16, this year’s Virtuoso Travel Week, which PAX covered on location, was held in Las Vegas at the Bellagio, ARIA, Vdara and Cosmopolitan hotels,

The luxury travel star-studded gala took place August 15 at the Bellagio. 

It resembled a Hollywood affair, complete with 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, where she takes on the iconic role of Elphaba, opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda.

While assembling the biggest names in the industry under one roof, Virtuoso shined a spotlight on the network’s most esteemed individuals and brands.

Virtuoso global awards

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. 

READ MORE: On Location - Record growth & the “Swift lift” – the latest in luxury travel shines at Virtuoso Travel Week in Vegas

Those named as winners in their respective categories will also be showcased in Virtuoso, The Magazine’s November/December issue, which reaches over 200,000 affluent households.

Best Airline recognizes an air partner that provides exemplary service.

Winner: Singapore Airlines

Best Hotel recognizes an iconic hotel that epitomizes excellence in luxury hospitality.

Winner: Bulgari Hotel Roma

Best New or Reimagined Hotel recognizes 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 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: Simone Giorgi / Park Hyatt Milano

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: Leonidas Travel - Croatia

Best Tour Operator recognizes a tour operator or wholesaler partner with the most compelling vacation options and itineraries, whether FIT or escorted.  

Winner: Wilderness

Best Tourism Board recognizes a tourism board partner that epitomizes excellence and is highly engaged with the Virtuoso advisor membership.

Winner: Switzerland Tourism

Best Specialty or 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: Axus Travel App 

Respected Agency Culture: Presented for the first time this year, this award acknowledges the crucial role that culture plays in driving organizational success, attracting top talent and fostering employee engagement and satisfaction, by honoring an agency that prioritizes their employees’ well-being and creates inclusive cultures.

Winner: Brownell Travel

Respected Achievement Award: Presented for the first time this year, this award recognizes 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 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. The winner of this award is selected internally by Virtuoso leadership.

Winner: Micato Safaris

Rising Star: This award recognizes 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

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