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Virtuoso is the industry’s leading leisure travel network. This by-invitation-only organization comprises more than 6,000 elite travel advisors associated with over 300 agencies in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,000 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations.
Independent travel agencies receive sales, marketing and technology support, specialized training and accreditation programs, as well as exclusive services and products, as a result of their membership in Virtuoso. Being a Virtuoso client means your travels will be customized to your specific desires by a foremost expert, and that you’ll be recognized as one of the most prestigious guests in the world with all the privileged access, perks and service that implies.
The network’s member agencies generate over $4.2 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Our relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access.
Virtuoso is also the exclusive travel provider for World Elite® MasterCard®, offering a mix of travel benefits, rich rewards, and global acceptance to elite affluent consumers, small businesses and executives of large corporations.
Virtuoso's history of leadership in the travel industry dates to the 1950s. That's when Allied Travel, a research and operation center, was formed to help its independent carriage-trade member travel agencies with foreign, international and group arrangements. In 1986, Allied Travel merged with Percival Tours to form Allied Percival International (API), bringing together the very best luxury travel agents in the country.
Matthew Upchurch, a 20-year industry veteran named one of the "25 Most Influential Travel Executives" by Leisure Travel News, took the helm. With his leadership and clout, API has been able to give its travel agency members and their clients an advantage in the competitive and always changing travel marketplace. Renamed Virtuoso in 2000, the company has continually expanded its focus, truly becoming "Specialists in the Art of Travel."
As the President of Virtuoso, Kristi Jones oversees the upscale travel agency network’s national team of executive vice presidents, who in turn manage Virtuoso’s corporate offices in Fort Worth, Seattle and New York. Based in Seattle, Jones directs the company’s consumer marketing, technology, travel agency member and preferred supplier divisions.
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