Virtuoso Travel Mart 2010 Event in Las Vegas: Part II

As I mentioned in Part I of this post, I recently returned from a trip to Las Vegas where I had the pleasure of meeting some of the most influential and interesting individuals in the travel industry. This 2010 Virtuoso Travel Mart event, which began on August 14, brought in more than 3,200 attendees traveling to the U.S. from almost 100 countries—making this year the largest gathering for Virtuoso Travel Mart to date. In fact, this event was so large and successful that by the end of the 6-day event, there were a total of 312,000 one-on-one appointments, and 1.25 millions minutes of networking that occurred (which converts to 2 and a half years of networking!).

The 6-day event took place at the gorgeous Bellagio hotel to celebrate the companies that have operated under the Virtuoso status to make a difference in the lives of their clients. The event also served to bring relationships between travel agents to fruition, as well as facilitate the power of connection and communication between agents to help reinforce the Virtuoso difference.

Each year, the Virtuoso Travel Mart has a different theme and this year, it was “Defining Moments,” which “refers to the power of the travel advisor to transform a travel purchase into a defining moment for their client.”

Below is a breakdown of each day:

Monday, August 16 

Today began with a delightful breakfast followed by a handful of exciting meetings with some of the most influential hotel managers around the world.

I kicked off the event with the Grand Hotel Excelsior manager to learn about the amazing features this exclusive hotel offers. Located on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, the Grand Hotel Excelsior was renovated in the past few years to reflect the hotel’s captivating natural surroundings. With a private beach lift, guests can access the beach easily from the hotel without the hassle of walking or waiting for ground transportation.

Some of the memorable properties had the pleasure of meeting were the managers of the Grand Hotel Timeo, Hotel Santa Caterina, and last, but not least, the manager of Palazzo Sasso.

A side note: The Palazzo Sasso, located in the charming Italian town of Marmorata, is a quaint property that offers 43 luxury rooms, complimentary beach shuttle, lavish spa services, large swimming pool, and much more.

All of the hotel managers I met with today offered detailed insights into the luxury hotels that they represented.

Tuesday, August 17 

Today began with informative meetings with accommodation managers from Australia and New Zealand, Turkey, Germany, Switzerland, and Netherlands, before moving on to meetings with African suppliers, which took up most of the afternoon. Some of today's most memorable visits included Eichardt's Private Hotel, Huka Lodge, Longitude 131, The Lodge in Verbier, Lupita Island, The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa, Zambezi Queen, and Azura—just to name a very few.

We also saw a total of 106 suppliers! It was great to see some suppliers who I had just recently seen at a Leading Small Hotels of the World event at the Mansion on Turtle Creek. I also got to meet some vendors who I have never met face to face before but have a social media relationship with.

Most all of the suppliers shared what was new and unique about their offerings and the suppliers that stood out the most included: the special promotion we offer VIP clients shopping in Paris at Lafayette,  ground operators that can offer clients a VIP meet and greet service at airplane doors, property outside London- Coworth Park and Chewton Glen, a supplier who has amazing connections at every ski resort in the world, and a supplier that can get tickets to any sporting event.

Wednesday, August 18 

Today began with meetings with accommodation managers and suppliers from India, U.S. hotels and resorts, and Asia. Some of the most memorable appointments today were with Meadowood Napa Valley, Amangiri, Plaza Athenee, The Datai Langkawi, and Nam Hai.

At the end of the evening, we had a wonderful Hotel and Resort Dinner, hosted by TAJ, where the Best of the Best Awards were given out. At the dinner, suppliers had tables decorated in their destination theme, which added an interesting and unique dynamic to the night. For entertainment, a group from Australia that performs in Las Vegas called Human Nature sang Motown. I strongly suggest catching their act if you happen to visit Las Vegas.

Thursday, August 19 

Today began with several meetings with U.S. suppliers, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Some of the most memorable meetings today included Inkaterra, explora, Las Alamandas Resort, St Regis Bahia Beach, and Necker Island.

The Gala Dinner was hosted at the Aria where the tourist board of Hong Kong kicked off the evening with a spectacular dragon parade. The final Best of the Best Awards were also given out tonight.

The entertainment tonight was absolutely spectacular with an amazing male and female duo performing what seemed like a mini Cirque du Soleil act. It is fascinating what the human body can do, and I highly recommend catching a Cirque du Soleil act if you’ve never seen one before.

Conclusion for the week: This event was one of the most highly rewarding experiences for me as a Virtuoso travel advisor as I was able to meet with a powerful concentration of suppliers and accommodation managers around the world and further build those valuable relationships.

Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Orient, Rosewood, and Park Hyatt were also in attendance and were represented wonderfully each day of the event.

For those interested in who received the Best of the Best Awards, here is a breakdown of each award given out:

Best achievement in design – Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Best Culinary Experience – Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, London
Best Bar – Sir Elly’s The Peninsula, Shanghi
Best Family Program –Rocco Forte Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
Best Spa – The Spa & Grand Velas All-Suites & SPA Resort, Riviera Maya
Best Design – Armani Hotel, Dubai
Most Innovative Guest Experience – Amanfayun, Hangzhou
Most Socially Responsible – Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Peninsula Papagayo
Best One to Watch – Alan Fuerstman, Montage Hotels & Resorts
Best Hotelier of The Year – Claudio Ceccherelli, Park Hyatt Milan
Hotel of the Year – The Goring, London

Voted on by Virtuosos, the final awards for best suppliers in the following categories were:

Best Escorted Tour Operator - Micato Safaris
Best Large Ship Cruise Line  - Regent Seven Seas
Best Small Ship Cruise Line - Silversea
Best Specialty Supplier - Travelex Insurance
Best Airline - Lufthansa

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