Virtuoso is bringing together technology leaders, travel advisors, innovators and investors this week to explore how emerging technologies can support the next generation of luxury travel while keeping human expertise at the centre.

Taking place Aug. 9 at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas as part of the 38th annual Virtuoso Travel Week, the fifth annual Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit focuses on how technology can empower advisors, improve efficiency and enable more personalized client service.

Led by tech entrepreneur, investor and Virtuoso board member Gilad Berenstein, the summit will examine developments including AI-enabled workflows, advisor-built technology solutions and emerging models for travel commerce.

“Five years in, the Travel Tech Summit has become a proving ground for the ideas, solutions and partnerships that are reshaping luxury travel,” said Berenstein. “This year’s program moves beyond conversation to show innovation in action, from AI-enabled workflows and advisor-built solutions to new models for collaboration across the Virtuoso network. 

“Our goal is for advisors and partners to leave not only inspired but equipped with practical ways to turn emerging technology into stronger businesses and more meaningful client relationships.”

Janette Roush, chief AI and innovation officer at Brand USA, will deliver the keynote, focusing on how travel brands are using AI to rethink marketing, storytelling and travel content strategies. 

Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch will address broader technology trends affecting the industry and how the network is developing solutions that connect expertise, insights, data and relationships across its ecosystem.

Professor Lisa Cain of Florida International University will present findings on AI adoption among luxury consumers, including how affluent travellers are engaging with emerging technology. The research, which draws on focus group discussions with Virtuoso advisors, points to a model in which AI supports rather than replaces human service. According to the findings, technology can help advisors provide more personalized, relationship-driven service while maintaining the trust, judgment and expertise central to luxury travel.

AND Helen McCabe-Young, senior vice president, global products at Virtuoso and Paul Kearney, senior vice president, global technology at Virtuoso, will also highlight the network’s product and technology strategy.

“The strongest technology makes it easier for our network to deliver exceptional experiences for clients and guests,” said McCabe-Young. “Our focus is on building product solutions that simplify complexity, strengthen connections across our global network and help advisors and partners accelerate their own capabilities for business growth. When technology enhances human connection and empowers our network collectively, travelers feel the difference.”

Tech Marketplace

New this year is the Travel Tech Summit Game Show where attendees and on-stage thought leaders take part in an interactive discussion on trends shaping travel technology. This segment pairs bold statements and provocative questions with live audience voting and real-time reactions from a panel of experts.  

Also new is a Case Studies, Startups and Big Ideas segment, which will combine Virtuoso’s Startup Showcase with member agency case studies and emerging concepts from across the travel industry.

Among this year’s highlights is the Virtuoso Tech Marketplace, which will be available throughout the event, showcasing technology providers and giving attendees access to Virtuoso’s product and technology experts. Participating companies include Aeronology, AirWallex, Axus Travel App, Cyber Watch Systems, Fareladder, Fly with VWT by Chase Travel, GenieVerse, Grasp Technologies, KeyBrain, PlanitEasy, Rallio, Sabre, Sion, Sugati Travel, TBO, Tern Travel, The Trip Boutique, Travefy, Travel Agency Tribes, TravelWits, Tres Technologies, TripSuite and Worldia, among others..”

Programming will continue beyond the Aug. 9 summit with invite-only sessions, executive roundtables, VIP gatherings, one-on-one meetings, meals and networking opportunities throughout Virtuoso Travel Week.

For more information, go to www.Virtuoso.com.

Source: Travelweek