Virtuoso has wrapped up its 2026 Australia and New Zealand Forum in Auckland, with more than 150 attendees gathering to share insights and chart a course for the year ahead.
The annual event brought together owners and managers from Virtuoso’s travel agency members across Australasia alongside preferred partners from around the world.
Held at Park Hyatt Auckland in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, the forum opened with a traditional pōwhiri ceremony marking the network’s landmark debut in New Zealand.
Greg Treasure, Virtuoso Australia and New Zealand General Manager, set an optimistic tone, noting that luxury travel is expected to grow by 10 per cent in 2026.
He encouraged attendees to stay grounded in their core strengths during a period of global uncertainty, particularly as the industry navigates a rapidly evolving digital and AI-enabled environment.
Despite that uncertainty, more than 60 per cent of respondents expect sales growth at their agencies this year and 75 per cent are planning to hire new staff, reflecting strong confidence across the region.
Geopolitical conflict emerged as the most significant factor expected to shape luxury travel in 2026, cited by 86 per cent of respondents, with political uncertainty following at 73 per cent.
Travellers are largely adapting rather than cancelling, with 71 per cent changing destinations or routes in response to instability in the Middle East. Asia is the leading alternative destination, followed by Australia and New Zealand and Africa.
Matthew Upchurch, Virtuoso Chairman and CEO, closed the forum reflecting on the network’s 40-year journey, pointing to quality, globalisation and entrepreneurship as the three key drivers shaping what lies ahead.
“I’m most excited about turning challenge into opportunity with a refreshed perspective on what’s possible and I’m grateful for a community that believes in growing together,” he said.
The Australia and New Zealand Forum is the sixth in a series of international Virtuoso forums, with events in China and Bali to follow.
