Virtuoso is putting the final touches to its Virtuoso ANZ Forum 2025 which will be held in Perth/Boorloo, Western Australia from 24 to 26 February 2025, with 190 industry leaders and luxury experts from across Australia and New Zealand set to attend.
The event comes as the luxury travel network confirmed it has welcomed more than 30 travel agencies globally to its ranks since January 2024. That includes eight travel agency members in Australia and New Zealand, which the network says was one of Virtuoso’s most significant growth areas.
Three new agencies joined and five agencies transitioned from associate to full membership, representing a 10 percent increase in the market since 2023. These additions highlight Virtuoso’s ongoing strategic global growth and its commitment to catering to elite advisors and travellers in all corners of the world.
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The new additions include:
- Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel (New Zealand)
- Globetrotter Travel (Australia)
- Chirn Park Travel (Australia – Formerly Chirn Park Travel Associates)
- Mountain Creek Travel Associates (Australia – Transitioned to full membership)
- Caloundra Travel Associates (Australia – Transitioned to full membership)
- Gungahlin Travel Associates (Australia – Transitioned to full membership)
- Jamison Plaza Travel Associates (Australia – Transitioned to full membership)
- Travel Associates Toronto (Australia – Transitioned to full membership)
Virtuoso’s Asia regions also saw strong growth with 10 new agency members, including seven in Greater China alone. This growth reflects the region’s substantial influence in luxury travel. In 2024, Virtuoso installed a dedicated team for North & Southeast Asia in addition to its established team within Greater China, allowing the network to better serve the varying needs of agencies, partners and travellers.
“As an exclusive, invitation-only network, Virtuoso’s global strategy focuses on prioritising quality, continually enhancing the expertise and professionalism of the Virtuoso sales network,” said Virtuoso Senior Vice President, Global Member & Partner Sales Cory Hagopian. “We are dedicated to identifying respected, like-minded agencies worldwide that appreciate the value of peer collaboration, strong partnerships and the shared brand that form the foundation of our network. Each new member agency brings valuable local market insights and an outstanding industry reputation that extends far beyond their region.”
With delegates coming together for networking, professional development, and peer-to-peer learning, this year’s program will feature strategic discussions, one-on-one networking opportunities, and a range of professional development sessions.
“The Virtuoso Australia & New Zealand Forum will offer a dynamic blend of educational sessions, insights into the latest and emerging trends in luxury travel, and valuable opportunities to strengthen partnerships, shaping the future of the industry,” Virtuoso General Manager for Australia & New Zealand Greg Treasure said.
“I am thrilled to welcome delegates from across Australia and New Zealand to my hometown of Perth, where we will come together to share knowledge and foster meaningful growth within the industry that connects us all.”
A choice of seven engaging topics, with keynote addresses from well-known figures like Australian endurance athlete, Samantha Gash. Gash will share insights from her personal expedition through Nepal, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and building strong, human-centered teams.
Meanwhile, business communications expert Dr. Jill Schiefelbein will also lead a session on the “five essential practices for implementing generative AI in business,” helping leaders stay ahead in the rapidly evolving travel industry.
Opening addresses will be delivered by Virtuoso’s senior executives, including Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch, Senior Vice President Global Operations Michael Londregan, and Vice President Cheryl Cheney-Bunker.
The event will also feature a Welcome Cocktail Reception and a Gala Awards Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, where the 2025 Virtuoso Australia & New Zealand Member and Partner Award winners will be announced.
In partnership with Tourism Western Australia, Virtuoso is offering delegates pre-familiarisation itineraries showcasing luxury and sustainable tourism products across the state. Attendees will explore destinations like Rottnest Island, Margaret River, and Esperance, with new Design Your Day activities that include personalised wine making, a luxury seafood cruise, and a diamond masterclass.
