Bicton Travel has achieved seven Virtuoso Cruise Icons this year, an achievement that highlights the company’s expertise in the cruise industry, according to owner Philip Smethurst.

Members from 77 countries worldwide as well as suppliers from across the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific are making their way to Phuket, Thailand for Traveller Made’s first major event of 2025.

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.

Luxury travel network Virtuoso has seen a 20% rise in the number of advisors awarded Cruise Icon status as the program approaches its second year of operation in Australia and New Zealand.

Virtuoso has seen network sales rebound beyond pre-pandemic levels, with Chairman & CEO Matthew Upchurch confident that growth will continue well into the future despite challenges from technological advancements like AI and growth in direct bookings.

LATTE joined the fun this week as Tourism Western Australia hosted a group of travel advisors on an epic exploration of Margaret River and Perth in the build up to the Virtuoso ANZ Forum 2025.

Virtuoso is putting the final touches to its 2025 Virtuoso Forum which will be held in Perth/Boorloo, Western Australia from 24 to 26 February 2025, with 190 industry leaders and luxury experts from across Australia and New Zealand set to attend.

The appointment of two experienced industry professionals, Judith Crompton and Narendra Kumar, to the board of TravelManagers’ parent company, House of Travel Australia (HOTA), comes as the company seeks to capitalise on growth opportunities for the company in 2025 and beyond.

Crystal has announced a new payment structure that will pay travel advisors commission on all cruise bookings earlier than ever before, with the change effective immediately.

Luxury Africa travel specialists Forth & Wonder recently hosted an exclusive famil in Kenya, rewarding five travel agents with an immersive first-hand experience of the country’s rich culture, wildlife, and diverse travel experiences.

Link Travel Group’s evolution continues to gather momentum, with the collective reporting rising interest in agencies interested in joining thanks to its strong partnerships and future focus.

Luxury Travel Collection continues to diversify its membership base, marking a major milestone as the first Envoyage-hosted agency came on board.