Photo credit © Virtuoso

This year’s Virtuoso Travel Week, which took place August 8-14, welcomed more than 4,800 attendees from 105 countries across Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Held August 13 at Bellagio and hosted by comedian, actor, television and radio presenter Patrick Kielty, best known as host of The Late Late Show, the gala brought together luxury travel leaders from around the globe to celebrate the innovation, collaboration and relationships that continue to shape the future of luxury travel.

Serving as the grand finale of a week defined by human connection, discovery and business growth, the evening recognised the network’s most distinguished individuals and brands whose leadership, vision and commitment to excellence are helping set the standard for the industry worldwide.

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 as winners in their respective categories will be showcased in Virtuoso, The Magazine’s November/December issue, which reaches over 200,000 affluent households, and featured on Virtuoso.com.

Best airline
Recognises an air partner that provides exemplary service.
Winner: Delta Air Lines (AF, KL, VS, AM, KE)

Through exceptional service and the power of innovation, Delta Air Lines delivers a world-class customer experience on up to 5,500 daily Delta and Delta Connection flights to more than 300 destinations on six continents, connecting people to places and to each other.

Best brand hotel
Recognises an iconic hotel that epitomises excellence in luxury hospitality.
Winner: Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection

Situated on sacred land marked by royal fishponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens and alluring beaches, Mauna Lani – meaning “mountain reaching heaven,” is an inspiring spiritual haven that captures a distinct sense of place deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions. The luxury lifestyle resort from Auberge Resorts Collection is defining a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaii following a resort-wide re-imagination and renovation. The resort boasts contemporary guest rooms and suites, five private bungalow residences, five extraordinary restaurants and lounges, three distinct pools, a signature spa and wellness haven, Kainalu active pursuits program, Living Culture program and an interactive Holoholo Kids Circle – all complemented by Auberge’s intuitive and gracious service.

Best independent hotel
Recognizes an independently operated hotel that sets the standard for personalized service and memorable stays.
Winner: De L’Europe Amsterdam

The story of De L’Europe Amsterdam reads like your favorite book. This monumental establishment intertwined its roots with the city’s foundation. De L’Europe is known as one of the oldest, family-owned, hotels in the heart of Amsterdam and with all famous cultural landmarks at only a stone’s throw away, it is the perfect homecoming after a full day of exploration. Next to the luxurious oasis of comfort, it is also home to a state-of-the-art wellness center, gym, concept store IN-HUYS and an extensive range of culinary experiences. The two MICHELIN-star conscious fine-dining restaurant Flore, the classic French Brasserie Marie, the authentic Italian Trattoria Graziella, speakeasy bar Chapter 1896 and the iconic Freddy’s Bar can all be found under one roof here.

Best new hotel
Recognises a hotel that is either newly opened (within the last 12 months) or has re-opened after extensive renovations resulting in a new hotel experience.
Winner: Faena New York

Faena New York has made its home in West Chelsea, just steps from the High Line, a neighbourhood celebrated for its rich tapestry of art, architecture, and culture. Following transformative debuts in Buenos Aires and Miami Beach, Faena brings its signature style and visionary ethos to Manhattan, a heartfelt homage to the city’s dynamic spirit. Within their world, guests experience bold design, vibrant nightlife, and immersive entertainment. Tierra Santa Healing House, a South American–inspired sanctuary devoted to renewal and ritual, Faena New York introduces a singular blend of art, culture, service, and celebration – thoughtfully crafted to honour the city’s essence and deliver a timeless experience that defies convention. It is designed for those who seek inspiration, transformation and magic in the heart of Manhattan.

Hotelier of the year
Recognises 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: Etienne Petitpez / Airelles Palladio, Venice

At Airelles Palladio, Venice, Etienne Petitpez leads with the vision, warmth and attention to detail that distinguish the industry’s finest hoteliers. Set on Giudecca Island in a restored 16th-century property, just five minutes by boat from the heart of Venice, the resort offers refined accommodations, exceptional dining, four pools, a children’s club and a multi-level Guerlain spa, creating a rare retreat that balances seclusion with immediate access to the city. Petitpez’s impact is evident not only in the care extended to guests, but in the culture he creates for his team, leading with the same generosity, respect and attentiveness that define the guest experience.

Best on-site
Recognises an on-site partner, based in a given region, that creates outstanding customised experiences that make the destination come to life.
Winner: Eclectic Greece by Kyvernitis Travel

Dedicated to showing the most authentic and luxurious side of Greece to passionate travellers from around the world, Eclectic Greece’s team of experts’ craft high-end, tailor-made itineraries. Each journey becomes an indulgent, bespoke leisure experience, leaving a lasting impression.

Best tour operator
Recognises a tour operator or wholesaler partner with the most compelling vacation options and itineraries, whether FIT or escorted.
Winner: Project Expedition

Project Expedition is a premium tours and activities supplier offering day tours, shore excursions, multi-day trips, transfers, attraction tickets and custom itineraries in destinations around the world.

Best tourism board
Recognises a tourism board partner that epitomises excellence and is highly engaged with the Virtuoso advisor membership.
Winner: Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia’s purpose is to invite the world to experience the Australian way of life and its vision is to be the most desirable and memorable destination on earth. Big, bold and colourful, Australia is utterly unique. From sensational coastlines to diverse nature and wildlife, Australia offers some of the most memorable experiences on earth. A place where vibrant, cosmopolitan cities fringe pristine beaches and harbours, and cultural attractions reflect the diversity of our population, visitors are welcomed to learn about Indigenous traditions and celebrate the Australian way of life.

Best 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: Allianz Partners

A global leader in travel protection, Allianz Partners consistently raises industry standards for partners and their customers. Enhancing travel experiences with innovative protection and award-winning service, Allianz Partners helps accelerate partners’ growth and strengthen their customer relationships with dedicated support, worldwide expertise, and sophisticated marketing. Discover the Allianz Advantage.

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 prioritise their employees’ well-being and create inclusive cultures.

Australia and New Zealand: FBI Travel
Canada: Trevello Travel Group
Continental Europe: Lartisien
Greater China: ECOLUX
Latin America and the Caribbean: NUBA
Middle East & Africa: Al Faris International Travel & Tourism Company
North & Southeast Asia: Tourvis Select
United Kingdom & Ireland: Quintessentially Travel UK
United States: Huffman Travel

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: Carole Smethurst / Bicton Travel
Canada: Patrick Cullinane / Travel Navigators, an independent affiliate of Trevello Travel Group
Continental Europe: Emilien Savary / Cercle des Voyages
Greater China: Ewan Burger / Charlotte Travel
Latin America and the Caribbean: Letty Chomer / LCH Luxury Travel
Middle East & Africa: Mondher Kamoun / Luxuria
North & Southeast Asia: Tang Houying / WonderGoLander
United Kingdom & Ireland: Carolyn Addison / Black Tomato
United States: Melissa Wu / Woodlyn Travel, an independent affiliate of First in Service

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.

Australia and New Zealand: Tammy Sfeir / Travelcall Sydney
Canada: Sasha McGrath / Terra Travel Club, an independent affiliate of TTI Travel
Continental Europe: Carlo Schoenke / In Travel Solutions GmbH
Greater China: Alicia Lee / DearVoyage
Latin America and the Caribbean: Henrique Oliveira / Matueté
North & Southeast Asia: Alaina Appleman / Blue Sky Escapes
United Kingdom & Ireland: Florian Pauly / The Resorts Collection, an independent affiliate of Little Emperors
United States: Lora Greene / Lora Greene Travel, an independent affiliate of Brownell

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: Rodrigo Esponda / Los Cabos Tourism Board

Ruby of Siam
The prestigious “Ruby of Siam” is an honour with a 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. This year, Virtuoso recognised:

Winner: Anthony Goldman / Goldman Travel Corporation

The evening marked a fitting culmination to a productive week, honouring the individuals and organisations whose vision, partnership and achievements continue to elevate the Virtuoso network while shaping the future of luxury travel. Virtuoso congratulates this year’s honorees. Photos are available upon request.