Final preparations are underway to welcome Virtuoso’s Australia & New Zealand community to Bangkok for its annual Australia & New Zealand Forum, being held from 12-13 March.Bringing together the best in luxury travel, the event will feature 90 dedicated and engaged member agency owners and managers, alongside global and regional preferred partners as well as a constellation of Virtuoso senior executives, including Matthew D. Upchurch, Virtuoso Chairman and CEO; Brad Bourland, Chief Operating Officer and David Kolner, Executive Vice President.Upchurch last participated in person at the AU/NZ Forum in Adelaide (2022), while Bourland was present at last year’s event in Fiji and Kolnar’s last attendance was pre-COVID.
This year’s Forum offers diverse professional development sessions and networking opportunities designed to enhance and future-proof members’ businesses. Curated professional development topics include insightful discussions on work-life balance, honing storytelling skills, exploring the potential of AI in travel businesses and ensuring members craft a bespoke luxury travel strategy that’s relevant to their business.Adding to the event’s richness, Virtuoso is honoured to welcome Bernard Salt as Keynote Speaker this year. Leveraging his expertise in socio-demographic services, Salt will provide valuable insights into why the present moment is the definitive juncture for those invested in the luxury travel sector.Wednesday’s Gala Awards Dinner is and event finale will honour and celebrate the exceptional performances and network engagement of Virtuoso’s members and partners.
Outgoing Virtuoso General Manager, Australia and New Zealand Fiona Dalton, said “Our Australia-New Zealand Forum 2024 will provide a platform for thought leadership, collaboration, professional development and collective understanding of what it means to enrich lives through human connection. Apart from excelling in the luxury travel segment, this single purpose and shared vision is Virtuoso’s North Star and will always be our point of differentiation.”This year Virtuoso marks 20 years of representation in Australia and New Zealand. See photos from last month’s celebration event on Sydney Harbour here, and LATTE‘s exclusive interview with Matthew Upchurch, here.
