Virtuoso hosted the event last week aboard the privately chartered Crystal Serenity, bringing together 375 top industry leaders from 38 countries.
The high-level event explored key travel trends and highlighted Virtuoso’s latest technology enhancements focused on data privacy, data quality and a customisable solutions philosophy tailored to their clients’ needs.
The event featured industry discussions, thought leadership sessions, deep dives into travel trends and one-on-one networking as well as relationship-building through immersive experiences.
Attendees were empowered with actionable business ideas and knowledge to enhance future success while also reinforcing human connections with their peers, all while revelling in Crystal Serenity’s offerings with picturesque stops along the way.
Guests embarked in Barcelona and enjoyed shore excursions in Portofino and Monte Carlo before disembarking in Marseille.
Matthew Upchurch, Chairman and CEO, discussed the top factors influencing luxury travel this year, according to a Virtuoso survey of agency owners and managers, which included geopolitical conflicts, political uncertainty, labour and staffing challenges, stock market volatility and more.
Notably, half of respondents indicated they see AI as an opportunity, as opposed to a threat.
“In the midst of another tech inflection – or as some call it, a disruption – with AI, I love how optimistic Virtuoso members are about its potential,” said Mr Upchurch.
“Starting in the onset of the millennium, we have seen how these disruptions make travel – and the professional, knowledgeable, well-connected travel advisors – all the more important in people’s lives.”
