Virtuoso teams up with NZ First Travel Group

Virtuoso has established a new strategic partnership that will take the group’s memberships to new heights in 2015.

The luxury travel network has teamed up First Travel Group as part of its ongoing expansion, which will see further growth into Asia throughout 2015.

With more than 9000 travel advisors around the globe, Virtuoso has a turnover in excess of USD $14 billion in annual travel sales, with CEO and chairman Matthew D. Upchurch delighted to pair up with First Travel Group.

“In keeping with our commitment to expand the Asia-Pacific markets, we are delighted to welcome First Travel Group into our network,” he said.

“Its reputation and commitment to servicing the client whilst delivering high-end, experiential travel mirrors our own, and we look forward to working together to co-create a network that benefits advisors and travellers alike.”

First Travel Group is New Zealand’s leading independent travel alliance specialising in high-end leisure and corporate travel.

“We are delighted to enter this valuable partnership, which allows for a joint focus on creating customer value whilst maintaining independence and local market flavour,” First Travel Group’s MD Andrew Bowman said.

First Travel Group members Voyage Affaires and North Shore Business Travel, have been Virtuoso members for more than 10 years, with this foundation in the luxury market a major push to establish a stronger partnership between the brands.

“We are delighted to add First Travel Group members Stars Travel New Plymouth, Business World Travel and Holland Clarke & Beatson to our network, which will be joining our longstanding members to create a more viable scale and market coverage position,” Virtuoso Asia-Pacific managing director Michael Londregan said.

He said the nature of luxury travel has changed in recent years, moving decisively away from the idea of opulent ‘5-star’ treatment, towards more experiential travel.

“Virtuoso’s strength comes from its extraordinary travel advisors who have firsthand knowledge, on the ground relationships and often specialise in particular types of travel or locations,” Londregan said.

“Just as you would seek out the advice of a financial planner to help support your long-term wealth management goals, Virtuoso’s affiliated advisors help people fulfil their travel dreams and recognise that many people are constrained by time and knowledge rather than budget.

“Through our network of partnerships, our clients are able to access the same, and often better value than you can find online, and can secure special benefits like complimentary room upgrades, daily breakfast, and other extras you can’t get on your own.”

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Latest comments

Spida says:
February 16, 2015 at 6:40 pm
Fancy Londregan being in charge of Asia/Pacific Virtuoso ? It must be running on auto pilot. He could not even look after the top end with complaints when he was with QF Hols. Matter of fact he refused to fix problems. Good luck with him Mr Virtuoso.
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