INDUSTRY TRENDS - VIRTUOSO TRAVEL WEEK IN 10 KEYWORDS (United States)
From the 10th to 16th August, more than 4,700 Travel Advisors, hospitality and tourism executives and travel journalists joined in Las Vegas to attend “The Voice of Luxury” event. |
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INDUSTRY TRENDS - VIRTUOSO TRAVEL WEEK IN 10 KEYWORDS (United States)
From the 10th to 16th August, more than 4,700 Travel Advisors, hospitality and tourism executives and travel journalists joined in Las Vegas to attend “The Voice of Luxury” event. |
Category: North America & West Indies / Carribean islands - United States - Industry economy
- Trends / Expert's advice - Sustainability - Tourism
Article written by Sonia Taourghi on 2024-09-12
 "The Voice of Luxury" was the theme of the 2024 Virtuoso Travel Week, Las Vegas, United States
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
Spread across MGM properties Bellagio and Aria, Virtuoso Travel Week includes a schedule of conferences and talks, group brainstorming, themed panel discussions, dedicated lounges, hotel showcase, networking appointments, “globe-trotting” through discovery pavilions… Even fun Wellness activities every morning that were scheduled far too early for my unbalanced self.
While it would be impossible for anyone to summarise EVERYTHING that took place on the grounds of the Bellagio and Aria, let us at least share our key takeaways in 10 words that punctuated the event.
1. Together
Imagine more than 4,700 people coming together for a week of meetings, showcases, talks, laughter, brainstorming, networking and fun times! That's how Virtuoso does Together. True to its reputation, Virtuoso Travel Week 2024 united over 2,000 luxury travel partners worldwide, fostering collaboration between advisors and preferred partners.
While Simon Sinek reminded the audience of the power of togetherness, the event emphasised the collective strength of the Virtuoso network across 58 countries, with a growing focus on responsible travel, local engagement, global expansion and connectivity.
2. The Voice of Luxury
"The Voice of Luxury" was the theme for Virtuoso Travel Week 2024, encapsulating the collective strength and diversity of the Virtuoso network in representing high-end travel experiences. The event highlighted how Virtuoso advisors are the best in the world at crafting luxury travel experiences and serving as the voice of luxury for their clients.
The theme included a strong emphasis on responsible luxury. Virtuoso is positioning itself as a leader in ethical luxury travel, with 89% of study respondents seeing selling responsible travel as a business opportunity. The organisation is actively promoting destinations that balance luxury with environmental and cultural preservation.
3. Excellence
Virtuoso has expanded its professional development programs, including immersions, study tours, and the Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor program. Advisors completed over 65,000 professional development courses so far in 2024, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in their craft.
Virtuoso's commitment to excellent service is evident in their 94% guest satisfaction rating for Virtuoso Voyage.
During the various talks, insights highlighted how established and emerging companies are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in travel, driving innovation and excellence in the industry.
4. Artificial Intelligence
Virtuoso is embracing AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. The Travel Tech Summit, now in its 3rd edition, is the staple ground for AI insights and conversations around AI's transformative potential in the travel industry. Curated by Gilad Berestein, and hosted by Sarah Schneider and this year, the helping hand of David Kolner, this August edition also included a dedicated Agency Tech & AI session during the Startup Showcase.
From personalised recommendations to seamless logistics, AI is reshaping how we plan and experience journeys, offering new possibilities for both travellers and advisors.
Embracing AI as an opportunity to enhance advisor productivity and improve client experiences, the discussions also explore ways to use AI to match travellers with eco-friendly travel options and to help advisors quickly access information about responsible practices and local initiatives in various destinations.
5. Connected Trip
Virtuoso emphasised creating connected, immersive experiences for travellers.
The organization is focusing on digital destination experiences that highlight not only luxury offerings but also responsible practices and locally-based activities. Rising destinations like Morocco, Slovenia, and Japan are featured prominently in these connected trip experiences.
The concept of a connected trip emerged as a key theme, with discussions on how technology can create seamless, integrated travel experiences from start to finish. This approach promises to enhance the overall journey for travellers, making it more cohesive and enjoyable.
On that front, Social Commerce and Visual Media, one of the themed sessions of the Tech Summit Startup Showcase presented new platforms and products, aiming at changing how we connect to change and how we travel; be it through one-to-one interaction or communities of like-minded travellers. Digital destination experiences that aggregate content and product information to create more cohesive travel experiences are therefore on the rise.
6. Solution
The Travel Week presents solutions to evolving traveller needs, including a growing demand for responsible and locally-based travel. Virtuoso Travel has developed a sustainability community within its network, with 325 advisors and 64 partners participating. This group provides resources and training to help advisors sell more eco-friendly travel products and destinations.
When leading the Under One Sky lunch, Matthew Upchurch and Jessica Hall Upchurch, Vice Chair & Sustainability Strategist and Javier Arredondo, Vice-president of Sustainability, presented insights on how companies can implement eco-friendly practices, offering concrete solutions for a more sustainable future in travel.
The Tech Summit Startup Showcase also included providers aiming at creating a more sustainable and inclusive industry. Winnow help hotels reduce their waste during three key phases of the F&B chain, Wheel the World is on a mission to put inclusivity on the map, literally, by researching and help disable travellers find the best options for their travel plans.
7. Building Community
The travel industry is a vibrant and growing community, as evidenced by the younger generation keen on joining the ranks of the Virtuoso Travel Network.
Virtuoso presented solutions to evolving advisors' needs through new event formats, flexible scheduling options, and a diverse range of luxury travel products, and developing new platforms to support the evolution in events and advisor-partner connections, including a reimagined network digital experience on Virtuoso.com.
On the ground, Virtuoso is fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing around responsible travel practices, by building stronger connections with local populations in rising destinations, ensuring that luxury travel benefits regional economies and cultures.
With already 20,000 travel advisors, nearly 50% of which are based outside of the United States, Virtuoso is definitely on the path to building a global community. With that global expansion, the network is committed to culturally sensitive approaches to different markets, with general managers in key regions ensuring local relevance.
8. Celebrate Success
The event celebrated successes across the luxury travel industry, from the revival of Crystal Cruises to Tourism Australia's innovative approaches to showcasing the country's unique experiences. Virtuoso also highlights the success of its advisors, with community advisors outpacing general advisors in sales by up to 192%. Rising destinations like Singapore are celebrated for their innovative approaches to responsible urban development and luxury experiences.
Success stories were shared during the Under One Sky lunch recognising outstanding achievements in ethical travel through its annual awards, highlighting projects that celebrate culture, support local economies, and protect the environment. The Virtuoso Impact Report: Sustainable Travel 2024 highlighted the industry's progress in implementing sustainable practices. This report showcased the positive strides being made towards a more responsible and sustainable travel industry.
9. Exceptional
The event showcases exceptional experiences, from reimagined luxury accommodations to revived cruise lines. Virtuoso's commitment to excellence extends to environmentally conscious practices, with partners like wilderness safaris demonstrating how luxury and conservation can coexist.
Crystal Cruises, Wilderness, Explora Journeys and Abercrombie & Kent, were some of the operators showcasing their ultra-luxury offerings through new ships, exclusive safaris to groundbreaking private jet packages. These brands demonstrated how exceptional service and products can elevate the travel experience, catering to the discerning needs of luxury travellers.
The network's ability to produce $35 billion a year in exclusive personal travel experiences now includes a growing number of eco-friendly and locally-focused options.
10. So Virtuoso
The essence of Virtuoso is captured in its commitment to creating "life's most memorable travel experiences." From reimagined luxury cruise lines to exclusive access to unique destinations, Virtuoso strive to set the standard for high-end, personalised travel experiences. With a focus on professional development, technology integration, and global expansion, Virtuoso intends to remain at the forefront of the luxury travel industry.
Its now includes a strong commitment to responsible and locally-based travel, leading the way in redefining luxury travel to include ethical practices and meaningful local interactions. From promoting rising destinations like Morocco, Colombia or Peru to integrating eco-consciousness into all aspects of its operations, Virtuoso wants to contribute positively to the planet and local populations.
Virtuoso Travel Week 2024 showcased the luxury travel industry's resilience and innovation. More than ever, "The Voice of Luxury," the event highlighted exceptional experiences, sustainability initiatives, and technological advancements. While new platforms and partnerships demonstrated Virtuoso's commitment to shaping the future of travel, it was clear, as the event concluded, that Virtuoso's blend of human expertise and technological innovation positions it as a leader in an ever-evolving industry.
 Together, Excellence and AI were some of the keywords of this edition of Virtuoso Travel Week
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 Connected Trip, Community and Solutions were three of the themes of this edition of Virtuoso Travel Week
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
 This edition of Virtuoso Travel Week also celebrated Success, Excellence and the Virtuoso touch
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces
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