VIRGIN GALACTIC WELCOMES VIRTUOSO® ‘ACCREDITED SPACE AGENTS’ FOR GLOBAL FORUM AT SPACEPORT AMERICA

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (October 7, 2010) – Virgin Galactic is rolling out the red carpet this week for the Global ‘Accredited Space Agent’ (ASA) Forum 2010, gathering 60 ASAs from 10 countries, 45 of which are Virtuoso® members from the USA, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. The forum, taking place October 4-8, is designed to familiarize ASAs with Southern New Mexico as a tourist destination and to learn more about the history of the area, especially as it pertains to space. The ASAs represent an elite group of just 120 travel consultants around the globe selected by Virgin Galactic to take consumer deposits for sub-orbital spaceflights.

In August 2006, Virgin Galactic selected Virtuoso as their exclusive retail travel network in the Americas and the Virtuoso ‘Accredited Space Agent’ team now comprises 75 travel advisors in 12 countries throughout the Americas and Australia. Before being entrusted to represent the Virgin Galactic brand as well as one of the most exciting products in the travel industry, advisors first engaged in a rigorous application process and intensive training to ensure they have the expert knowledge to guide prospective space customers.

The Global ASA Forum will afford attendees the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the region around Spaceport America, get better acquainted with the Virgin Galactic experience and envisage how the region is equipped to cater to high-end travelers. Additionally, attendees will receive the first-ever tour inside the Spaceport America Terminal Hangar Facility, from which Virgin Galactic will base its flight operations.

In addition to experiencing the various hotel and restaurant choices the region has to offer, ASAs will visit attractions in Sierra, Doña Ana and Otero counties. Highlights include the National Solar Observatory and the New Mexico Museum of Space History.

“Since the Virgin Galactic/Virtuoso partnership inception, we have been diligently preparing for this new travel medium,” said Virtuoso CEO, Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC. “As the launch of Virgin Galactic advances nearer, forums such as these provide Virtuoso’s ASAs the valuable knowledge they will need to sell space travel. Additionally, the gathering of the ASAs builds enthusiasm for the product and fresh anticipation. Space travel will soon be here! And we’re thrilled that Virtuoso is at the forefront as the resident experts.”

To date, the world has seen fewer than 500 astronauts, but with the launch of Virgin Galactic sub-orbital spaceflights that will soon change. Together with Virgin Galactic, the ‘Accredited Space Agents’ are poised to turn the dream of going to space into a reality for their clients. The once-in-a-lifetime experience includes Astronaut training, ‘G force’ acclimatization and a sensational sub-orbital spaceflight. While Virgin Galactic’s technology makes space travel more attainable for the general public, it takes a talented and skilled travel consultant to sell a trip to space.

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the industry’s leading luxury travel network. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel specialists 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. The network’s member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Virtuoso is the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard® for participating World Elite MasterCard® programs.

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For further information, please contact:
Misty Ewing
Virtuoso – Director, Public Relations
Phone: 212-588-8242 or 206-484-8022 (mobile)
E-mail: mewing@virtuoso.com