L to R – Kristi Jones, President and COO of Virtuoso; David Brandon, Brisbane-based Travel Concepts, winner of Aust/NZ top producer; Matthew Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso
	L to R - Kristi Jones, President and COO of Virtuoso; Suzanne Duzenman, Melbourne-based Global International Travel Services, winner of most admired advisor 2012; Fay Cohen, Sydney-based TravelPhase, winner of most admired advisor 2011handing over the award to Suzanne; Matthew Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso

Australian Travel Advisors Recognised At ‘Virtuoso Travel Week’ Conference

International luxury travel network, Virtuoso®, celebrated the close of its 24th annual conference, Virtuoso Travel Week, last Friday night with its annual Gala and Virtuoso Awards at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. 

Hosted by Virtuoso Chairman and CEO, Matthew D. Upchurch and President and COO, Kristi Jones, its gala, with a record turnout of 2,378 attendees, honoured some of the most innovative, admired and top-performing travel advisors in Australia, Latin America and North America, as well as Virtuoso suppliers that go the extra mile.

“We are extremely proud of the advisors and suppliers who stand out amongst an impressive group of travel professionals by consistently demonstrating their proven sales ability, their level of engagement within the network and by drawing respect from their peers,” said Upchurch. 

“Whether we’re honoring a 20-year industry veteran, an impressive up-and-comer or a preferred supplier that goes above and beyond to serve the travel agency community, recognising individuals who exemplify the talent within this network and contribute to its strength is the perfect way to cap off a successful week of networking, relationship building and genuine salesmanship.  What better reason to celebrate a closing gala!”

Virtuoso Award winners and categories appear below:

2012 Gala Awards Member Production Results

Top Australia/New Zealand Production:
Travel Concepts – Milton, Queensland, Australia

2012 Gala Awards Peer-to-Peer Awards Member Results
(In this category, Virtuoso Preferred Suppliers vote for Virtuoso Member advisors)

Most Admired Advisor: Australia/New Zealand:
Suzanne Duzenman – Global International Travel Service, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia

2012 Gala Awards Peer-to-Peer Results: Supplier Awards
(In this category, Virtuoso Members vote on Preferred Suppliers)

Best Airline
Virgin Atlantic Airways

Best Specialty Provider
Travelex Insurance Services

Best Luxury Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Premium/Contemporary Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises

Best River Cruise Line
AmaWaterways

Best Voyager Club Event
Melbourne: Coliban Park Sheep Station with Outback Lunch (Abercrombie & Kent Australia)

Best FIT/Custom Tour Operator
Classic Vacations

Best Escorted Tour Operator
Tauck

Best On-site Provider
Made for Spain

Best Active & Specialty Provider (VAST)
Micato Safaris