Virtuoso brings recruitment program to Canada

Virtuoso’s Advisor Recruitment Program has recently expanded to Canada.

Launched last year to assist member agencies in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand in fulfilling their staffing needs, the program welcomes advisors in all stages of their careers to apply, including those who are outside the Virtuoso network and newer to the industry, as well as small agencies looking for a host.

Advisors can begin the matching process by submitting an application, which is added to a database that uses proprietary Virtuoso technology to connect participating member agencies with a pool of advisor candidates based on respective needs, niches, location and available job openings.

“After survey results indicated over half of our Canadian member agencies are prioritising building their teams this year, we’re delighted to offer them the Advisor Recruitment Program,” said Virtuoso Senior Vice-President of Global Member and Partner Sales Cory Hagopian. “The response and outcome in the United States, Australia and New Zealand has been overwhelmingly positive, and with over 20 advisor applications in Canada thus far, we’re confident the program will help our members in the region find and connect with high-quality talent.”

So far, the program has matched over 80 qualified luxury travel advisors with positions at Virtuoso member agencies, and the call for new talent continues to be in high demand.

According to surveys of agency owners and managers conducted at Virtuoso forums across the network’s global regions, labour and staffing shortages ranked among the top three factors that are influencing luxury travel this year.

The travel advisor profession is increasingly sought after, too, according to new research from BeamJobs, which showed that travel advisor was the second most desired job in the U.S. over the past 12 months.

“I am excited by the prospect of the Advisor Recruitment Program’s exposure and growth to support the needs of Canadian agencies,” said Kemi Wells-Conrad, founder and president of Vancouver-based Wells Luxury Travel, a participating member. “With our growing demand in luxury travel and many new-to-advisor clients, combined with the number of retiring advisors, so many are desperately looking for staff. There is a need for new advisors, along with some experienced advisors who may be looking for a better suited affiliation or host agency, but don’t know where to begin. Either way, this tool has tremendous potential in connecting agency owners and managers with prospects based on their certain needs and criteria.”

Virtuoso’s Advisor Recruitment Program adds to the expansive list of benefits that the network’s members receive exclusively.

Other advantages include affiliation with Virtuoso’s global brand; access to a worldwide network of professionals and travel suppliers; participation in Virtuoso Travel Week; on-going professional development; insight into the latest travel trends; and special rates and upgrades for clients.  

“I would highly recommend the Virtuoso Advisor Recruitment Program to my peers for its unmatched potential to kickstart a successful career in travel,” said Amy Grigos, founder of High Access Travel in New Jersey. “It offers a wealth of resources, training and support tailored to empower independent contractors to thrive in the industry. Beyond the tangible benefits, the program fosters a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration and continuous learning.” 

All advisors hired via the recruitment program must complete the Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor (VCTA) course, a qualification designed to fast-track the development of those new to the travel advising profession.

The VCTA also serves as a resource for experienced advisors who recently joined the Virtuoso network, as it lays the groundwork for establishing a solid career path in the luxury travel market segment.

Advisors interested in applying for the Recruitment Program can click here.

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