Virtuoso has released its year-in-review report for 2017. In addition to implementing new programs for its affiliated agencies and advisors, the company saw an increase in global membership and sales.
In 2017, the network increased its membership base to over 1,000 agency locations (up 25 percent compared to the same time last year) in more than 45 countries, accounting for 17,500 travel advisors (a 15 percent increase). While some of the growth in advisors can be attributed to the network’s expansion, Virtuoso says 64 percent of that growth came from existing agencies. Virtuoso also reports a 12 percent increase in annual network production, bringing its total sales to $23.7 billion for 2017.
According to Virtuoso, its website, Virtuoso.com, played a significant role in driving sales. The site sees more than 150,000 unique monthly consumer visitors, which led to over 150,000 leads for its advisors in 2017. In April 2017, Virtuoso rolled out its hotel booking tool that is available to consumers via Virtuoso.com. While initially only available in the United States and Canada, consumers everywhere can now book hotel stays online and gain access to Virtuoso’s negotiated amenities while also having the booking serviced and fulfilled by one of the network’s advisors.
Sales were also aided by the company’s emphasis on professional development, Virtuoso said. In 2017, more than 10,000 affiliated advisors participated in over 150,000 available courses, resulting in a 19 percent increase in completed courses and a 40 percent increase in advisor participation, the company reported. Virtuoso also announced that to date, 230 new advisors from 98 Virtuoso agencies have gone through its Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor (VCTA) accelerated training.
To further enhance sales, Virtuoso has developed communities to bring together individuals for increased awareness, education, and sales with certain travel niches. One year after rolling out its Virtuoso Wellness community, participants are seeing a 32 percent increase in their sales, says Virtuoso. Participants in the longer-established Virtuoso Adventure community saw a 15 percent increase in sales over their non-participant counterparts.
For more, visit www.virtuoso.com.
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