 |
VIRTUOSO'S ANNUAL AWARDS GALA TAPS INTO WORLD-CLASS TALENT TO CELEBRATE THE BEST OF THE BEST IN LUXURY TRAVEL (États-Unis)
Virtuoso global awards recognise those shaping luxury experiences, as selected by industry partners. |
Catégorie : Amérique du Nord et Antilles - États-Unis - Économie du secteur
- Expériences exclusives
- Récompenses, remises de prix, concours - Tourisme
Ceci est un communiqué de presse sélectionné par notre comité éditorial et publié gratuitement le mercredi 20 août 2025
 Crédit photo © Virtuoso
From August 9-15, this year’s Virtuoso Travel Week welcomed 4,700 attendees from 105 countries across Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The luxury travel star-studded gala took place August 14 at Bellagio and was hosted by Joel Jackson, an award-winning actor, musician and writer best known for his triple threat titular TV role in Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door. Proudly representing Western Australia and his Menang Noongar heritage, Jackson served as the master of ceremonies for the evening.
The headlining entertainment was none other than Leslie Odom, Jr., the Tony and Grammy Award-winning, three-time Emmy and two-time Academy Award-nominated actor, singer and bestselling author, best known for his breakout role as Aaron Burr in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical Hamilton. Odom is set to make a highly anticipated return to his role September 9-November 23.
An evening of fun and entertainment after a productive week, Virtuoso assembled the biggest names in the luxury travel industry under one roof to shine a spotlight on the network’s most esteemed individuals and brands.
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. Those named winners in their respective categories will also be showcased in Virtuoso, The Magazine’s November/December issue, which reaches over 200,000 affluent households, as well as featured on Virtuoso.com.
Best Airline recognises an air partner that provides exemplary service.
Winner: Delta Airlines
Best Brand Hotel recognises an iconic hotel that epitomises excellence in luxury hospitality.
Winner: Regent Hong Kong
Regent Hong Kong re-emerged on the famed Victoria Harbor following the most extensive transformation in its history. The iconic hotel builds upon a legacy of innovation, extraordinary views, service and dining. Reimagined as a majestic haven of discreet luxury, Regent Hong Kong has a serene and soul-rejuvenating aesthetic by Hong Kong-born design visionary Chi Wing Lo. Each of its 497 guestrooms and suites is a personal haven of peace and tranquillity.
Best Independent Hotel recognises an independently operated hotel that sets the standard for personalized service and memorable stays.
Winner: The Dewberry Charleston
The Dewberry captures the luxury and quiet restraint that are hallmarks of historic Charleston. Inside and out, The Dewberry is a manifestation of founder John Dewberry’s vision of “Southern Reimagined.” As much a setting as it is a state of mind, the hotel was brought to life over eight years by a team of architects and designers who shared Dewberry’s mission to present Charleston from a uniquely personal perspective. The result is a thoughtfully imagined juxtaposition of past and present that redefines what is possible when historic preservation is paramount.
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: Regent Santa Monica Beach
Regent Santa Monica Beach offers an unparalleled coastal retreat with an oceanfront pool deck and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Orla by Michael Mina. Located steps from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the hotel features spacious rooms and suites, bespoke treatments at the Guerlain Wellness Spa and attentive beachside butler service. It’s where a legendary metropolis meets a golden coastline, and where the vibrant pulse of the City of Angels reaches the glittering expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
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: Claudio Meli / General Manager, The Place Firenze
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: Imago Artis Travel - Italy
Imago Artis Travel is a premium experience provider spanning the Italian peninsula. Imago Artis Travel provides guests the opportunity to live all the nuances of the Italian way of life. Their team of destination specialists curate itineraries that include iconic destinations and landmarks, top museums, food and wine tastings, children-oriented activities, as well as hidden gems and sites closed to the public.
Best Tour Operator recognizes a tour operator or wholesaler partner with the most compelling vacation options and itineraries, whether FIT or escorted.
Winner: Tauck
A family-owned travel company since 1925, Tauck’s values and vision are to deliver more than is expected. With journeys across 7 continents in over 100 destinations and 70 countries, Tauck provides well-choreographed land journeys and cruises that are life-enriching, inspirational and memorable.
Best Tourism Board recognizes a tourism board partner that epitomizes excellence and is highly engaged with the Virtuoso advisor membership.
Winner: Switzerland Tourism
Switzerland Tourism is dedicated to promoting the best of Switzerland’s nature, authenticity, sustainability and modernity, under the overall concept of “Swissness.” Working in close collaboration with local tourism partners and suppliers, its mission is to continue reinforcing Switzerland’s title as a global leader in sustainability by encouraging travelers to use electric public transportation, solar powered ski lifts, e-cars and much more.
Best Specialty or Insurance Partner recognises 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: Travelex Insurance Services
For nearly 30 years, Travelex Insurance Services has been a leading provider of travel insurance, bringing a diverse array of travel protection products to U.S travelers while broadening its international footprint and strengthening its presence throughout North America. Travelex is a premier partner in the travel industry with a mission to help travelers confidently and safely explore the world and all it offers.
Best Agency Culture: This award acknowledges the crucial role that culture plays in driving organisational 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.
Australia and New Zealand: Spencer Travel Pty Ltd
Canada: First in Service Travel
Latin America and the Caribbean: NUBA
United States: Pique Travel Design
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.
Australia and New Zealand: Donna Jones / MTA - Mobile Travel Agents
Canada: Eleanor Bell / Direct Travel
Latin America and the Caribbean: Ana Paula Pereznieto / NUBA
United States: David Petlin / Flair Travel, an independent affiliate of 1000 Mile Travel Group
Virtuoso selected awards
The winners of these awards are chosen internally by Virtuoso leadership.
Luminary: The Luminary Award recognises 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: Alan Fuerstman / Montage International
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: Shauna Stone / The Pelican Club
Continental Europe: Giulia Nuzzaci / ACI Blueteam
Greater China: Kan Tang / Time & Space Travel
Latin America and the Caribbean: Cecilia Castañedo / Viajes Terranova SA de Cv
North and Southeast Asia: Manda Foo / Blue Sky Escapes
United Kingdom and Ireland: Maggie Ducam-Davies / Invilia, an independent affiliate of Little Emperors
United States: Tara Kennedy / Meridian Miles, an independent affiliate of Jetset World Travel
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.
Winner: Sharon Fake / Travel Experts, Inc.
Virtuoso wishes to congratulate all recipients who were honoured this year.
Virtuoso Awards are earned through exceptional performance and contributions, making these accolades a true reflection of excellence within the network.
 Crédit photo © Virtuoso
|
|
