Virtuoso, the leading luxury travel network, recently honored its top-performing travel agency members at the 2023 Chairman’s Event in Taormina, Sicily. The Chairman’s Event serves as a token of appreciation for Virtuoso’s most engaged and dedicated members, bringing together 124 agency owners and managers from 12 countries for a memorable and informative experience.
One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Executive Vice President David Kolner, who unveiled exclusive research from Virtuoso’s “2024 Luxe Report.” This sneak peek into travel trends among high-net-worth clientele revealed impressive sales figures for Virtuoso in 2023. Year-to-date sales were up 25 percent compared to the previous year, with Q4 2023 showing a remarkable 32 percent increase over Q4 2022. What’s more, forward-looking data for 2024 and 2025 indicated a 36 percent uptick in future bookings compared to last year and an incredible 98 percent boost over pre-pandemic 2019. These figures solidify the notion that luxury travel will continue to thrive in the coming years.
Furthermore, the choice of Italy as the event’s location was not arbitrary. Virtuoso’s data indicated that Italy was among the most-booked destinations for fall travel, proving that travelers are keen to explore the country beyond the typical summer season. This off-peak interest can be attributed to cooler weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Italy has long been a favorite among affluent travelers, and according to Virtuoso’s survey of over 2,000 advisors, it was ranked as the number one destination for global travelers. The future looks bright for Italy’s travel industry, as demand shows no signs of slowing down into 2024 and beyond.
To kick off the festivities, an evening reception was held at the picturesque Villa Sant’Andrea, a Belmond Hotel’s Ristorante Sant’Andrea. The following day, business commenced at the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, where attendees had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas on the future of luxury travel. Virtuoso executives also addressed the attendees, providing insights and perspectives on key topics shaping the industry.
Related Post
Throughout the event, guests were treated to a variety of curated experiences designed by Virtuoso’s on-site partners: Essence of Sicily, IC Bellagio, I.D.I. Travel Italy, and Sicily Lifestyle. These experiences included exploring the majestic Mount Etna while indulging in cheese and wine tastings, embarking on a walking tour that featured a visit to the private home of a local artist, taking part in a Sicilian cooking class, enjoying a guided tour of Catania City Center with a scrumptious lunch at a historical palace, savoring a half-day private yacht experience, or embarking on a driving tour in privately-owned vintage cars. The diverse range of activities ensured that attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness and beauty of Sicilian culture and landscapes.
In addition to the enriching daytime activities, guests were treated to unforgettable evenings filled with delectable dining, enchanting music and dance performances, and exclusive access to historical landmarks. After-parties and dinners were held at the Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel, and San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel. One of the highlights was a private pre-dinner trio performance at the Teatro Antico di Taormina, where attendees were captivated by the breathtaking views as the sun set over the ancient amphitheater. Another notable highlight was a traditional Sicilian fiesta in the medieval village of Castelmola, where local residents opened their doors exclusively for the event, offering a night of Sicilian delicacies, lively music, and spirited dancing in the village square.
Looking ahead, Virtuoso has already announced that the 2024 Chairman’s Event will be held in Slovenia, further showcasing the network’s commitment to introducing its top performers to stunning and unique destinations that are sure to inspire and captivate.
In summary, Virtuoso’s Chairman’s Event in Taormina, Sicily was a resounding success, honoring the network’s most dedicated travel agency members and providing invaluable insights into the future of luxury travel. With impressive sales figures and an increasing demand for destinations like Italy, the event serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring appeal of luxury travel. As Virtuoso continues to push boundaries and seek new horizons, its members can look forward to even more extraordinary experiences at future Chairman’s Events.
