Virtuoso Releases The Ultimate Travel Guide To The World's Finest Hotel Experiences

ONLY VIRTUOSO CAN DELIVER THE ‘BEST OF THE BEST’:

VIRTUOSO’S HOTELS & RESORTS PROGRAM RELEASES THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE WORLD’S FINEST HOTEL EXPERIENCES

- Leading Luxury Travel Network Releases Its 13th Annual Directory -

NEW YORK – (February 15, 2008) - When Virtuoso’s Hotels & Resorts Program teams up with a select group of its network’s elite travel advisors, the result is a collection of the world’s finest hotel experiences. These exquisite 730-plus insider experiences in nearly 80 countries have been compiled into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind book appropriately titled Best of the Best. The book features striking photography, detailed information about each property, insider tips and more, and is organized by geographical region to arm consumers with all of the necessary facts to ensure the ultimate vacation experience. For more information about Best of the Best, travelers can contact their Virtuoso travel specialist or call 1-800-401-4274.  

Best of the Best is the only travel guide in the industry that turns to the network’s member travel advisors to write descriptive copy for each of the properties, all of which is based on first-hand experience. By incorporating their insight, travelers are privy to the thoughts and opinions of industry experts who also share extra tips with the ‘In The Know’ feature. An added value appearing only in Best of the Best, ‘In The Know’ provides insider advice on interesting foods to sample, rooms that offer the best view and more. In addition, travelers can learn about the extra amenities each hotel offers exclusively to Virtuoso clients in Best of the Best. These amenities range from spa treatments and dining experiences to special excursions, learning experiences, destination-specific gifts and more.

To ensure that each Virtuoso client has only the ‘best of the best’ vacation, all of the properties in Virtuoso’s Hotels & Resorts Program undergo an extensive evaluation and approval process by a committee, comprised of a select  panel of Virtuoso travel agency owners and managers. With the committee’s sights focused on the highest level of personal service, luxurious appointments, world-class accommodations and prime locations, each prospective property that receives a coveted invitation to apply is required to complete a detailed application which includes recommendations from Virtuoso member advisors who can share their first-hand experiences.

“From smaller gems to expansive resorts, the Best of the Best guide is our opportunity to showcase the exceptional jewels in the Virtuoso crown,” says Albert Herrera, Virtuoso’s Vice President of Hotels & Resorts. “Best of the Best visually demonstrates the quality of the hotels, resorts, spas, game lodges, villas and private retreats in the program to give our clients and member travel advisors the peace of mind that their Virtuoso travel experience will be one of the most luxurious available in the world.”

About Virtuoso:

Virtuoso is the industry’s leading luxury travel network. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel specialists in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,000 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations. Independent travel agencies receive sales, marketing and technology support, as well as exclusive services and products as a result of their membership in Virtuoso. The network’s member agencies generate over $4.8 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Virtuoso is the exclusive luxury travel network provider for World Elite^™ MasterCard^®.  For more information, please visit www.virtuoso.com.

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