A deal has been signed to enable members of the luxury Virtuoso agent network to sell Virgin Galactic space flights.
Virtuoso travel advisors will have exclusive access to a “limited number” of reservations within Virgin Galactic’s first 1,000 seats.
Seats will sell at the standard price of $450,000, although commission details have not been divulged.
The agreement will present new referral and marketing opportunities to Virtuoso’s network of more than 20,000 luxury travel advisors.
In return, Virgin Galactic will gain direct relationships with leading leisure travel agencies in North and Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
Virgin Galactic joins Virtuoso’s portfolio of more than 2,200 luxury travel partners in 100 countries worldwide.
In the lead-up to space flight, future astronauts gain access to exclusive events, trips and activities around the world.
The experience culminates in a multi-day, all-inclusive astronaut training and hospitality programme for the customer and three guests at Virgin Galactic’s planned “innovative campus”.
Virtuoso chairman and chief executive Matthew Upchurch said: “Virtuoso is excited to welcome Virgin Galactic back into our partner portfolio and to offer our clients a travel experience like no other.
“As a future astronaut myself, I can speak first-hand to the curated, high-touch and one-of-a-kind journey Virgin Galactic offers, as well as the community it cultivates.
“Travel transforms us and pushes us out of our comfort zone. For our advisors who have clients seeking pioneering, transformational travel, a Virgin Galactic spaceflight is the ultimate experience.”
Virgin Galactic president and chief business officer Blair Rich added: “Virtuoso’s prominence as the world leader in the luxury experiential travel category makes them the ideal strategic partner to expand our reach in this valuable sector.
“We are excited to offer this limited quantity of tickets to Virtuoso clients and to connect with those who are searching for meaningful, deeply transformational travel experiences.”