Virtuoso has cranked up its Regional Preferred Partner Program in recent months, inviting 12 new Australian and New Zealand partners to join its exclusive portfolio.
The new entrants comprise a list of long-standing hotels and resorts, and well-entrenched tour operators, primarily offering experiences in their own backyard.
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Launched in 2021, the program – revealed exclusively by LATTE in 2020 – aims to connect Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisors with an extraordinary portfolio of partners and experience providers in Australia and New Zealand. With some travellers continuing to prefer travel closer to home, Virtuoso advisors can leverage the Regional Preferred Partner Program to curate their clients’ domestic luxury holidays.
Now comprising more than 35 regional partners, the continuation of the program into 2022 further enhances Virtuoso advisors’ ability to deliver transformative experiences and joy to each of their clients.
Virtuoso new regional network partners are: Shangri-La The Marina (in Cairns, Queensland); Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour; Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa; Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa; Sofitel Wellington; The Fullerton Hotel Sydney; The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa (in Palm Cove, Queensland); and The Old Clare Hotel (in Sydney).
Additionally, Virtuoso welcomed into the network four tour operators that are on-hand to assist advisors in curating luxury adventures for their clients. These include Australian Geographic Travel, Crooked Compass, Renaissance Tours and Australian Luxury Escapes (read LATTE‘s exclusive interview with Grant Charlesworth, Director of Australian Luxury Escapes regarding the partnership with Virtuoso here).
Fiona Dalton, General Manager, Australia and New Zealand said: “We are thrilled to welcome such renowned Australian and New Zealand suppliers into the Virtuoso network”.
“Our collaborative community of luxury travel advisors and travel providers aspire to provide meaningful experiences to Virtuoso clientele, and the inclusion of these new regional partners further enhances their ability to do so.”
Dalton told LATTE, the value of the connection between the client, the Virtuoso advisor and the Virtuoso partner “can’t be underestimated in this new world that we live in today”.
“Travel has become so complicated now that the ability to have that connection and expertise and support is hugely valuable to the high value traveller,” she said.
Evan Pierce, Account Director of Partnerships, Australia, said the program’s selection process is meticulous and ensures only the most prestigious travel entities join the network.
“Four pillars are used in the selection criteria for regional partners, including member feedback, competitive analysis of the local market and conditions, and once selected, each partner is approved by the Virtuoso regional member advisory board,” said Pierce. “In return, new partners can engage with over 1,800 of the regions’ best advisors and their clientele through special events and marketing opportunities.”