Sunday, August 19, 2012

Virtuoso Travel Week

I just returned from the best luxury travel show of the year hosted by Virtuoso in Las Vegas.  Virtuoso is a consortia of travel suppliers which offer the highest standards in the industry.  Members include tour operators, hoteliers, cruise lines, and airlines.  I spent a week meeting with travel providers from around the world.  Although I specialize in Latin America and the Caribbean, I now have contacts for any destination in the world.  I was continuously shopping for amazing experiences for you, my client.  There were 3900 total attendees including 1860 advisors and 1700 suppliers.  There were also classes offered on social media, business management, and sales.  I learned from successful business owners that started their journey like me.
One of the 4- minute appointments with a supplier from London.
South African supplier meeting with Pam Gaye and myself.

    During the Opening Ceremonies we had a surprise guest speaker, Francis Ford Coppola.  He is a famous film director, producer, and screen writer.  He produced and directed the Godfather I, II, and III series as well as Apocalypse Now.  Coppola went into winemaking in the Napa Valley region in California.  He also owns two beautiful hotels in Belize - Blancaneux Lodge and Turtle Inn.  His message to us was to have fun in any line of work we are doing.  He also added that he wasn't looking for wineries or resorts to invest in, but that he stumbled upon them.  Alot of times in life, you find something that you want to do and it is not neccessarily part of the plan.   You should follow your passions and go for it if you think you will enjoy it.
Francis Ford Coppola

Honey Mistry, Amanda Klimak, Lena Brown, and myself at the Opening Reception - Bellagio Hotel.
 

The Destination Showcase Dinner was an invitation only event hosted by the Virtuoso Suppliers.  Each supplier's table was beautifully decorated as you can see in the pictures.  My Table was hosted by Beyond Times Square, a New York City tour operator that organizes group multi-night stays and independent tours, as well as special events such as the U.S. Open.  Their website is http://btsq.com
Dominican Republic Tourism Board

Mai 10 - Argentina On-site

Classic Vacations - One of my favorite suppliers


Regent Seven Seas - One of the finest Luxury Cruise Lines.


When you arrange your travel through Solis Escapes, you will receive special amenities such as complimentary upgrades upon arrival, early check-in/late check-out, resort credits, club level privileges, just to name a few.  Through participation in world-class trade shows such as this, I have increased my knowledge and made contacts with the best suppliers and tour operators all over the country and throughout the world.  This will allow me to give my clients unforgettable travel experiences at the best prices possible, no matter where their dreams may take them.