Virtuoso is on the hunt for tech-savvy trendsetters
Virtuoso is on the lookout for innovating and exciting travel tech companies to apply for its 2019 Incubator program.
Since its launch in 2015, the program has helped countless startups strengthen their products to benefit advisors and strengthen client service.
Virtuoso Incubator gives the network’s travel agency members a competitive advantage by bridging the gap between traditional travel agents and today’s technology-savvy advisors.
The program provides technology developers with real-world feedback from its network of industry-leading travel advisors, offering a uniquely valuable perspective from potential customers and enabling them to tailor tools to better meet market needs.
In this year’s Incubator, almost 100 advisors from 80 agency members assessed solutions, providing guidance on improvements. As proof of the program’s value, all of 2017’s advisor testers wanted to take part in Incubator again this year. Once an Incubator company’s trial phase ends, it goes under consideration for full Virtuoso partnership.
“Virtuoso Incubator has made a real difference in the efficiency and service levels of the advisors who use these solutions,” said David Kolner, senior vice president, Global Member Partnerships at Virtuoso.
“We recognise that not all agencies and advisors have the same needs. The diversity of these tech offerings, combined with the opportunity for our advisors to speak up and help shape their outcome, is the real strength of the program. We’re introducing cutting-edge tools and providing choices for our members.”
This year’s Incubator class was packed full of geographic diversity as well as the program’s first companies to focus on artificial intelligence applications:
eRoam: The AI-powered solution from Australia-based eRoam supplies personalised itineraries based on trends, releasing advisors from constantly observing developments for clients and enhancing efficiency. Its technology continuously reviews travellers’ information to tell future travellers in the same peer group what is trending in transport, accommodations, and activities.
HelloGbye: The tool by the Canadian company saves advisors time by using AI to create itinerary suggestions using the spoken word or ‘natural language’. It reviews incoming communications and provides immediate recommendations to advisors based on preferences, past purchases and geo-demographic profiles.
Jrrny: A content creation platform where advisors can promote destination posts that showcase their travel savvy, then acquire leads from those posts. With millions of readers on the platform, advisors can market themselves effectively to a targeted audience.
PlanitEasy: A one-stop solution providing customer relationship management (with ClientBase integration), trip management, communication portal, project management, itinerary builder, accounting, and soon RFPs. This all-in-one platform boosts advisor efficiency by closing gaps and making planning easier, which improves personal service and client experiences.
ZoomandGo: A map-based hotel reservation and analytics tool to make booking via the GDS much easier, increasing productivity and sales. The Canadian company’s solution helps advisors increase rate code usage and hotel program adherence as well as meet sales objectives.
The 2019 Virtuoso Incubator program is seeking companies focused on client and email management tools, group booking management, and activities and tour booking solutions.
Startups can express their interest here. The deadline for applications is December 15, 2018. For more details, visit www.virtuoso.com/incubator.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
virtuoso incubatorLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!