2009 Virtuoso Symposium Update by Michelle Holmes, General Manager, Travel and Transport Vacations

Friday, April 24, 2009

I have arrived in Sydney Australia for the 2009 Virtuoso Symposium. This is my first time here and I am impressed with not only the beauty but the service I have received thus far.

The opening sessions included time to discuss current economic conditions and the affect on leisure and luxury travel. After polling the attendees, leisure travel business has been affected less than 50% to corporate due to the exceptional vacations values that can be found that are just too good to pass up. Trends are showing that people are booking vacations with less advanced notice.

Scott Ahlsmith of Virtuoso demonstrated new technology for Virtuoso association members called Composer. The technology provides an incredible platform and network of information for travel counselors that includes vendor destination information, contacts and educational information.

I had the opportunity to take a tour of the Tatongo Zoo which one of the top three zoos in the world. Even the animals that live here have an incredible view of the city. I saw cuddly koala, kangaroos, wallabies and those cute little Tasmania Devils. Wouldn't want to run into one of those in the wilderness.

It was then off to the Four Seasons where we had a property tour. I viewed newly renovated rooms and suites with incredible views of city harbor and opera house.