Virtuoso Announces Top Destinations Trending for 2014

Leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso, harnessed the data of its worldwide travel agency members to reveal 2014's top destinations during its annual Symposium taking place in Berlin this week. Sharing year-over-year growth for first quarter sales as well as the destinations trending for this summer, Virtuoso proved that travelers seeking unique experiences are not afraid to venture further to find them.

European perennial favorites topped the list of those countries experiencing the strongest year-over-year sales for January-March 2014. The top five countries – United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France and Italy – lead the sales with a 21 percent uptick. Notable areas of growth include Germany, which is up 24 percent, as well as Switzerland, which experienced an overall increase of 33 percent and hotels in particular enjoyed a 51 percent increase.

Secondary European markets also saw a first-quarter lift: Greece (+69 percent), Austria (+53 percent), Czech Republic (+47 percent), Hungary (+47 percent), and Sweden (+44 percent).  Citing 17 percent year-over-year growth for air bookings for the same time period, Virtuoso also shared that 44 percent of air sales occur between January and June for all of Europe.    

Summer travel sales appear even more promising.

-Brazil (+277 percent) – It comes as no surprise the Brazil leads the charge with World Cup host cities like Fortaleza seeing the greatest surge.
-Ecuador (+118 percent) – Accounting for 20 percent of air bookings to South America, it has less than five percent of the continent's population.
-Indonesia (+82 percent) – Increased traveler interest across the islands.
-Norway (+65 percent) – Topping all other locales within Scandinavia.
-South Africa (+47 percent) – The favorite destination on the African Continent, thanks in large part to Sabi Sand Game Reserve's popularity.

Virtuoso counts 340 agencies with more than 620 locations throughout North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand amongst its membership. All told, that represents more than 8,900 travel advisors and upwards of $12.5 billion in annual sales. Virtuoso is the leader in the luxury sector, with exacting standards for both travel agency and preferred supplier partners.

Virtuoso has also announced its strategy to enlist agencies within Europe, adding to the list of 20 countries where it already has travel agency members. Travel agencies that reflect Virtuoso's commitment to providing upscale, experiential travel and superlative service can now raise their hands for consideration as Virtuoso plans to accept expressions of interest from agencies throughout Europe.

As is standard practice for this by-invitation-only organization, Virtuoso will vet interested agencies and accept those that represent the best in their given market based on industry reputation as well as luxury product quotient and sales. Agencies that affiliate with Virtuoso benefit from aligning with the industry's most respected and established network.

"We look forward to teaming up with like-minded organizations to further our brand in Europe," says Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Virtuoso. "Much like we've done in other new markets we've entered, be it Australia or in Latin America, we have drawn upon the expertise of our members to help establish our value to the customer. Co-creation is at our core and as we accept agencies within Europe, we will work together to establish an umbrella brand that unifies our affiliated agencies and strengthens their individual brands."

One of the biggest draws for agencies may be Virtuoso's impressive portfolio of preferred travel providers – more than 1,700 worldwide – that offer affiliated agencies competitive advantages. Clients of Virtuoso agencies receive personalized experiences, exclusive access and enhanced amenities not available through other channels. Additionally, the network's annual meetings and conferences, which are only open to network associates, allow travel advisors to form personal relationships with the top-level executives of these premier travel companies. These carefully cultivated relationships result in recognition and VIP treatment the world over for Virtuoso guests.

Virtuoso counts 340 agencies with more than 620 locations throughout North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand amongst its membership. All told, that represents more than 8,900 travel advisors and upwards of $12.5 billion in annual sales. Virtuoso is the leader in the luxury sector, and has exacting standards for both travel agency and preferred supplier partners.

Source: Travel Daily News