NEW YORK — Virtuoso is expanding its Advisor Recruitment Program to Canada.
Originally launched last year in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, the program has successfully matched over 80 qualified travel advisors with Virtuoso member agencies. The demand for skilled travel advisors continues to grow, with staffing shortages emerging as one of the top challenges for luxury travel agencies this year.
A survey conducted at Virtuoso Forums, which gathered input from agency owners and managers worldwide, revealed that labor shortages are a key factor influencing the luxury travel sector. Travel advisors are becoming an increasingly sought-after profession. In fact, research from BeamJobs shows that “travel advisor” ranked as the second most desired job in the U.S. over the past 12 months.
The expansion into Canada comes at a crucial time, with a significant number of Canadian agencies seeking to grow their teams. “After survey results indicated over half of our Canadian member agencies are prioritizing building their teams this year, we’re delighted to offer them the Advisor Recruitment Program,” said Cory Hagopian, Virtuoso’s Senior Vice President of Global Member and Partner Sales. “The response and outcome in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand have been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re confident the program will help our members in Canada find and connect with high-quality talent.”
The Virtuoso Advisor Recruitment Program allows individuals at any stage of their career to apply. Whether they are new to the industry, working outside the Virtuoso network, or part of smaller agencies seeking a host, applicants can submit their profiles to a database that uses Virtuoso’s proprietary technology. This system helps match advisors with member agencies based on factors such as their niche expertise, location, and current job openings.
Canadian agencies welcome the program
Several Canadian agency leaders expressed their excitement about the expansion. Kemi Wells-Conrad, Founder and President of Wells Luxury Travel in Vancouver, highlighted the program’s potential to address both the growing demand for luxury travel and the advisor shortage. “There is a need for new advisors, as well as experienced advisors who may be looking for a better-suited affiliation or host agency but don’t know where to begin. This tool has tremendous potential in connecting agency owners and managers with prospects based on their specific needs.”
Other Virtuoso members echoed the program’s success in other regions. Linda Scroggins, Founder and CEO of U.S.-based Affluent Luxury Travel, shared her positive experience: “Before joining the Advisor Recruitment Program, I struggled with finding reliable candidates that aligned with the elevated standards of Affluent Luxury Travel and Virtuoso. Since using the program, my experience has been successful on a few occasions. Its targeted sourcing strategies and rigorous screening processes were key factors in finding candidates who were a perfect fit.”
Amy Grigos, founder of High Access Travel in New Jersey, also praised the program, noting how it supports new advisors in launching their careers through extensive training, resources, and networking opportunities. “I would highly recommend the Virtuoso Advisor Recruitment Program to my peers for its unmatched potential to kickstart a successful career in travel,” she said.
Comprehensive support and training
Advisors recruited through the program gain access to Virtuoso’s extensive global network, professional development opportunities, and industry insights. All new hires are required to complete the Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor (VCTA) course. This elite qualification helps fast-track the career development of new advisors and serves as a valuable resource for experienced advisors joining the Virtuoso network. According to Virtuoso, VCTA graduates tend to sell twice as much travel compared to those who have not participated in the course.
As demand for luxury travel continues to rise, Virtuoso’s Advisor Recruitment Program offers a critical solution to the staffing needs of agencies, while also offering a rewarding pathway for individuals interested in a career in the travel industry.
For those interested in applying to the recruitment program, applications can be submitted at www.becomeavirtuoso.com. To learn more about Virtuoso and its network of luxury travel experts, visit www.virtuoso.com.
