Virtuoso projects nearly 21pc year-over-year networksales growth for 2026 (building on a solid 2025). delegates at Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 have been told.
The 38th annual event, held 8–14 August in Las Vegas across the Bellagio, ARIA, Vdara and The Cosmopolitan) was attended by 4,800 attendees from about 105 countries.
Growth is broad-based across regions, with the United States up about 21pc, Greater China leading at 34pc, Britain and Ireland at 26pc, the Middle East and Africa at 24pc, and Continental Europe at 23pc.
By category, hotels lead at +24.5pc, cruising at +22.4pc, on-site partners at +17.5pc and tour operators at +11pc. High-end hotel bookings ($1,500+ per night) are up 37pc. Future leisure sales one to two years out are up 50pc, and high-value cruise bookings ($50,000+) are up 49pc. Preferred-partner sales are outpacing non-preferred across markets. Booking and seasonal shifts
Autumn is emerging as a prime season: autumn 2026 bookings are up 59pc and sales up 69pc, with September sales particularly strong (+77pc). Travellers are booking further ahead, favouring longer stays, multicity itineraries (Italy features heavily), multigenerational/family travel and wellness (wellness hotel bookings +28pc, sales +44pc). Boomers continue to drive cruise demand. Technology and human connection
Virtuoso unveiled a new AI-powered intelligence tool (developed over about seven months) to help advisors and partners with recommendations, promotions analysis, training identification and more. It is designed to complement existing platforms rather than replace them. The opening keynote by Brené Brown reinforced human connection and leadership themes in an AI era. Additional programming includes Braindate sessions, a Travel Tech Summit focused on technology strengthening human ties, Destination & Trend Sessions, and a new Virtuoso Gives Back volunteer initiative. Sustainability and other recognitions
Virtuoso Award Winners
- Ultraluxe: Beth Flowers from Brownell (Advisor Winner) and The Brando (Partner Winner).
- Cruise: David and Carol Porter from Roaming Boomers Travel Services (Advisor Winner) and AmaWaterways (Partner Winner).
- Sustainability: Jessica Griscavage from Runway Travel (Advisor Winner) and The Brando (Partner Winner).
- Wellness: Marissa Grad from travelhappier (Advisor Winner) and Chenot Palace Weggis (Partner Winner).
- Destination (Global Stewardship): The inaugural honor went to the Dubrovnik Tourist Board.\
