US luxury travel network Virtuoso is to move into Europe to expand its global reach beyond 20 countries where it has travel agency members.
The invitation-only organisation comprises 340 agencies in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand.
The group is seeking expressions of interest to join from agencies across Europe.
“As is standard practice for this by-invitation-only organisation, Virtuoso will vet interested agencies and accept those that represent the best in their given market based on industry reputation as well as luxury product quotient and sales,” the group said.
“Agencies that affiliate with Virtuoso benefit from aligning with the industry’s most respected and established network.
Virtuoso claims a portfolio of 1,700 preferred travel agencies that offer affiliated agencies competitive advantages. Clients of Virtuoso agencies receive personalised experiences, exclusive access and enhanced amenities not available through other channels.
Chairman and chief executive Matthew Upchurch said: “We look forward to teaming up with like-minded organisations to further our brand in Europe.
“Much like we’ve done in other new markets we’ve entered, be it Australia or in Latin America, we have drawn upon the expertise of our members to help establish our value to the customer.
“Co-creation is at our core and as we accept agencies within Europe, we will work together to establish an umbrella brand that unifies our affiliated agencies and strengthens their individual brands.”
Expressions of interest are being accepted from this month.