Virtuoso’s top performers from across Australia and New Zealand were recognised at the second annual regional Virtuoso Awards on Wednesday night, where Auckland was revealed as the location of next year’s Forum event.
The awards were held on the final night of this year’s Australia and New Zealand Forum which took place from 24 to 26 February at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth. They recognised top sales production, growth or engagement within the Australia and New Zealand region.
“Virtuoso’s global growth and evolution are driven by the incredible contributions of our members and partners, much of which happens at the regional level as we look to satisfy a diverse group of travellers and their unique preferences,” Virtuoso Chairman & CEO Matthew D. Upchurch said.
“Through our seven regional Forums worldwide, we are taking the opportunity to recognise members and partners who are elevating their professions and supporting those within this network, while also ensuring an unsurpassed client experience. We congratulate the recipients that were honoured with regional awards during our Australia and New Zealand Forum and thank them for their critical role in helping maintain the Virtuoso network’s collective leadership position within the industry.”
The evening wrapped with the announcement of Auckland, New Zealand as the host destination for next year’s regional Forum, to be held from 25 to 27 March 2026.
“We’re excited to be hosting the Virtuoso 2026 Australia and New Zealand Forum in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland next March and look forward to welcoming delegates to Aotearoa, New Zealand,” Tourism New Zealand General Manager Australia Andrew Waddel said.
“We hope by immersing themselves in New Zealand’s landscapes, diversity of experiences and meeting more of the industry, delegates will leave feeling our manaakitanga (reciprocity, generosity and hospitality) and have increased confidence in being able to share what New Zealand has on offer for their clients.”
Here is a full list of this year’s winners:
Southern Cross Award (which recognises one member that goes above and beyond in engagement, activism, advocacy, sponsorship and the promotion of Virtuoso in Australia and New Zealand)
Winner: Mike Dwyer – Main Beach Travel
Most Engaged
Member winner: Mosman Travel
Most Engaged
Partner winner: Viking
Top Producers
Member winners:
Cruise Top Producer: Travel Associates
Hotels & Resorts Top Producer: Goldman Travel Corporation
Tour Top Producer: Travel Associates
On-Site Top Producer: Goldman Travel Corporation
Top Producers
Partner winners:
Cruise Top Producer: Viking
Hotels & Resorts Top Producer: Kokomo Private Island Fiji
Tour Top Producer: Abercrombie & Kent Australia, Outbound/International
On-Site Top Producer: Canada by Design Powered by Discover Holidays
Highest Annual Growth
Member winners:
Highest Cruise Annual Growth: Bicton Travel
Highest Hotels & Resorts Annual Growth: Allure Travel by CTM
Highest Tour Annual Growth: FBI Travel
Highest On-Site Annual Growth: Y Travel Pty Ltd
Highest Annual Growth
Partner winners:
Highest Cruise Annual Growth: Viking
Highest Hotels & Resorts Annual Growth: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Highest Tour Annual Growth: Abercrombie & Kent Australia, Outbound/International
Highest On-Site Annual Growth: EXO Travel – VietnamAdditional regional awards will be announced at each Forum around the world: Canada Forum in Québec City (4-6 March), Greater China and North & Southeast Asia Forum in Shanghai (11-12 March), Continental Europe Forum in Lucerne (19-21 March), UK, Ireland, Middle East & Africa Forum in Malta (25-27 March) and Latin America & the Caribbean Forum in Buenos Aires (31 March-3 April). Virtuoso’s Global Awards will be announced at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, taking place this year from 9 to 15 August.
