TORONTO — Stephanie Anevich, Vision Travel’s Executive Vice-President, Leisure Travel, has been recognized by global luxury travel network Virtuoso with its ‘Ruby of Siam’ award.

Anevich received the prestigious award at Virtuoso’s annual Symposium, which took place in Melbourne, Australia in early May. Every year Virtuoso selects a member who “embodies the spirit of its network, upholds the highest professional standards and has worked selflessly to promote Virtuoso” to receive the Ruby of Siam recognition.

Virtuoso says the award has a deep history, going back more than 30 years when, during the organization’s 1987 Symposium in Bangkok, the network’s travel agency members bestowed the inaugural ‘Ruby of Siam’ on Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch.

“Over the years, the ‘Ruby of Siam’ award has become symbolic of ingenuity, perseverance, dedication and commitment,” says Upchurch now. “It has been awarded to some of the most iconic members of Virtuoso, honoring those who have made major contributions to this network.

“That is Stephanie Anevich to a tee. She embodies our shared ethos that we are all better together. It was meaningful to me when I won this award 30 years ago, and I’m so happy to share it with someone as deserving as Stephanie.”

Anevich says she is deeply honored to join a long list of travel industry greats by accepting the award. “Ever since joining the Virtuoso network, I knew I was surrounded by extraordinary professionals and, most importantly, wonderful people. To be recognized with this award, amongst this group of industry colleagues, is humbling and I happily accept on behalf of all of the great travel advisors I have worked with over the years.”