New York, New York – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
In a long series of industry-firsts, which has cemented Virtuoso’s position as the industry’s leading luxury travel network, the group introduced its “Best of the Best” Hotel Awards six years ago as a means of recognizing the properties and individuals that best exemplify Virtuoso’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. Following an exhaustive review of its extensive roster of the world’s best hotels and resorts, Virtuoso announces the nominees for its 2012 “Best of the Best” Hotel Awards.
This year marks a special anniversary for Virtuoso, which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its renowned Hotels & Resorts Program. Established in 1992 as a means of complementing Virtuoso’s core cruise business, Virtuoso was the first travel group to develop a stand-alone hotel program to serve the needs of its member agencies and their clientele. Twenty years later, Virtuoso’s is the longest-running hotel program, with more five-star properties than any other program and the highest valued amenities in the industry. Twenty-one of the founding hotels still remain in the program, which now boasts an amazing portfolio of 975 hotels, resorts, villas and private island retreats in 95 countries, cementing its reputation as being an industry powerhouse and trusted source.
The status and strength of the collection only enhances the level of competition within this year’s Best of the Best awards, reinforcing the outstanding achievements of the 2012 nominees. Virtuoso Life magazine’s editorial director, Elaine Srnka, and Virtuoso’s vice president of hotels, destinations & tours, Albert Herrera, announced the nominees, which represent the highest standards in their given category and are considered some of the world’s finest properties. Only 50 properties are under consideration for the awards that range from “Best Achievement in Design” to “Most Socially Responsible” and the ultimate “Hotel of the Year.”
“This year is a milestone for Virtuoso, as it marks the 20th anniversary of our prestigious Hotels & Resorts Program, a growing collection of the world’s most exemplary hotels around the world,” Herrera said. “To receive a Best of the Best award nomination is a true honor, as this special recognition solidifies the nominees as being standouts amongst an extensive and outstanding portfolio. The awards are truly something to strive for, and we couldn’t be prouder of our wonderful collection and all the nominees.”
Editors of Virtuoso Life magazine, the network’s exclusive award-winning publication, reviewed numerous submissions and researched hundreds of properties to select the award nominees. The network’s elite travel advisors are now given the difficult task of establishing which hotels within this selection of elite contenders best represent the 10 categories.
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Winners will be revealed on August 15, 2012, at the Hotels & Resorts dinner during Virtuoso’s 24th annual conference, recently renamed Virtuoso Travel Week. Taking place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from August 12-17, Virtuoso Travel Week brings together thousands of Virtuoso’s member travel advisors and the world’s best travel providers to participate in the industry’s preeminent networking event.
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