What is Virtuoso? Virtuoso is a network of the best luxury travel agencies, with more than 17,500 advisors worldwide. They represent the best of the best in travel, with a portfolio of nearly 1,700 preferred partners - top hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and more. Their advisors use their global connections to plan the most memorable experiences for their clients, from weekend getaways to dream vacations (Virtuoso).
What is Virtuoso Travel Week? Virtuoso Travel Week Las Vegas is the ultimate annual global travel community event. Exclusive to the Virtuoso network, Virtuoso Week focuses on the evolving marketplace conversation between Virtuoso advisors, their clients, and preferred suppliers, with advisors making a “buying trip” on behalf of their clientele (Tourism New Zealand).
What is the Schedule?
Friday to Thursday in August
Friday-Sunday: New Advisor Meetings
Sunday: Opening ceremony and Welcome Reception
Monday-Thursday:
8am-12pm: Four-minute matched appointments with vendors (Speed Dating)
2pm-4pm: Ten-minute matched appointments with vendors
Thursday: Gala Dinner and After Party
*Every night, vendors host cocktail parties for advisors as a way to network and thank them for their business
Speed Dating & Matched Appointments
I met with 272 vendors during the matched appointments
My Experience Sanders Travel Centre allows their interns to join them at Virtuoso Travel Week. From an honest opinion, I learned more about the travel industry in this one week than I did during the two months I worked with Sanders Travel. With that being said, I did learn much from my internship and would highly recommend it to someone who is interested in being a travel advisor. You really get to see how they operate and what it really means to be an advisor.
During my time in Vegas, I met 272 vendors during my matched appointments and many others at cocktail events and just introducing myself to people during breaks. This could not have been a better networking experience for anyone who is trying to get into the travel industry. I saw every single branch of the industry including hotel, cruise, tour operator, tourism boards, travel insurance, and more. I made business cards and gave one to every single person I met there and vise versa everyone I met gave me their business card.
I became closer to my co-workers during the seven days I was in Vegas than I did during the two months I worked for them. I was able to truly see what the travel industry looks like and what kind of people are a part of it. After that week, I knew that I was meant to be in this industry. Whether I become an agent, hotel representative, or head of a tourism board, I am so truly grateful for the opportunity and experience at Virtuoso Travel Week.
To Learn More About Virtuoso Travel Week, click here
Photo Gallery
Sanders Travel Centre won an award for "Most Innovated New Workplace" and Simon Sinek was the guest speaker
My co-workers and I enjoying a cocktail party with Turks and Caicos hotels, The Shore Club and The Palms.