Lisa Pagotto’s touring brand, Crooked Compass, has been accepted into Virtuoso’s Regional Preferred Partner Program across Asia-Pacific. The tie-up provides a potential pathway to Virtuoso’s global Preferred Program.
Crooked Compass operates a program of itineraries to around 80 countries, to destinations including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Oceania and the USA. Trips are centred around experiences such as active, animal encounters, conservation, cultural immersion and festivals.
During the pandemic, Pagotto evolved Crooked Compass’ product range to include a private aircraft touring venture in Australia, dubbed Crooked Compass by Air.
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Through the new alliance with Virtuoso, the Australian boutique tour operator aims to highlight the importance of authentic and sustainable travel – a key focus of Crooked Compass – as the world reopens.
As a preferred partner of Virtuoso, Crooked Compass joins a portfolio of more than 2,000 elite travel suppliers around the world.
Pagotto said it was an honour for her homegrown company to join Virtuoso. “We are thrilled to become one of Virtuoso’s preferred suppliers,” she said.
“It’s a watershed moment for Crooked Compass and it couldn’t come at a better time.”
“Despite the challenging conditions of the past two years, we have continued to push boundaries to create tours that provide travellers with intimate connections to people and places, and a deeper understanding of the culture they are immersing in. To be welcomed because of our unique approach to travel, our exclusive experiences, our VIP services and our high level of expertise, means the world to us,” she said.
“This partnership is a clear indication that travel advisors and their clients are seeking out a more sustainable and immersive style of travel post-pandemic, which is something we are really excited about,” Pagotto remarked.
Evan Pierce, Virtuoso Partnerships Director Australia & New Zealand, said the Virtuoso community in Asia-Pacific was excited to be partnering with Crooked Compass.
“Crooked Compass’ innovative approach to providing authentic travel experiences is a perfect fit for Virtuoso. We are looking forward to working with Lisa as we get our clients travelling again and living their best travel lives,” Pierce said.
“We welcome Crooked Compass into the Virtuoso Regional Preferred Partner Portfolio with open arms,” added Fiona Dalton, Virtuoso General Manager, Australia-New Zealand.
“This decision reflects the value that our members place in the highly bespoke, highly immersive, and highly exclusive experiences synonymous with Crooked Compass,” she told LATTE.
“We look forward to supporting Lisa and the team to bring new high-value Virtuoso travellers to the brand over the next 12 months,” Dalton said.
Crooked Compass is also a member of CATO (Council of Australian Tour Operators).
See crooked-compass.com.