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Jul 8, 2008 |
ATG's Summer News & Announcements |
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Jun 27, 2008 |
Malaka Hilton On Turkey: Add It To Your 'Bucket List!' |
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Malaka Hilton in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Photo by Ryan Hilton.
For whatever reason, many Americans have not selected Turkey as a top destination to visit. I, myself, had never really been until this year. I had visited Istanbul over 10 years ago as a day trip off of a cruise ship; undoubtedly many travelers have done the same. I would venture to guess that most people don’t have a great impression of Istanbul simply because they really haven’t had a chance to see this diverse and wonderful country.
Turkey is an absolute paradise of sun, sea, mountains and lakes that offers a complete change from the stresses of everyday life back home. I visited this past month (June 13 – 22, 2008) for 10 days on a site inspection to prepare for our escorted group traveling in May 2009 with Chef Roy Yamaguchi and Salvatore Ferragamo. My job during this site inspection was to make sure my guests would be able to “go with the rhythm" and enjoy Turkey ATG Style.
Upon arrival we were met at the door of the aircraft by three men in dark suits holding a sign that said, “Hilton Family” - we were fortunate enough to bring our children Alexandria, 7, and Carter, 4. An awaiting golf cart whisked us down the long corridor to get our visas and then onward through Customs and Immigration. It was one of those moments where I was almost embarrassed to make eye contact with the people we passed along the way because of the VIP treatment that we were getting.
Istanbul’s Anaturk airport is much cleaner than I was expecting and very well organized. We were at the luggage carousel and sitting comfortably in our luxury mini bus within 20 minutes of exiting the aircraft. The only other time I experience this is when I land in Cairo. I am half-Egyptian, so I guess I expect it there, but my husband Ryan reminded me that my grandmother was Turkish, so maybe there is a connection?
We drove about 45 minutes in some pretty heavy weekend traffic and made it to the brand new Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. This hotel is pure Luxury – very “5 star” and to the standards Americans know and expect of a Four Seasons. Room categories range from Standard to Deluxe Garden View and Bosphorus View. The room sizes are the same, but if view matters, upgrade to the Bosphorus as it is beautiful both during the day and at night. If you prefer a larger room – maybe a sitting area so that one can read while the other takes a rest – I suggest the one bedroom suite. The Junior suite is a bit smaller but still has great space.
The location of this hotel is much better than its sister property in the Old City and has a resort atmosphere. Great spa and pool facilities are a welcome reward after a long day of touring or shopping. Ladies, and gents who like to shop, Istanbul will delight you with its fantastic shopping. The Nisantasi district is within walking distance of the hotel and you will find many upscale shops including Louis Vuitton, Max Mara and Gucci in addition to local designers that are guaranteed to impress.
Another short walk from the hotel is a pedestrian area called the Maksim. It’s a great place to stroll and find an outdoor café serving typical Turkish cuisine which is delicious, by the way. If you have traveled Europe as well as the Middle East, you’ll find that Turkey is a great combination of the two. The “order” of Europe with the “flavor” of the Middle East is the best way to describe our surroundings in Turkey.
Although our visit to Istanbul was short, we loved every minute of it. The city is clean and the locals are friendly – likely much more so than you would expect. And if you traveled to Istanbul years ago, it has certainly changed. Turkey is preparing for rapid growth in tourism, and with the strength of the Euro in other parts of Europe, I would encourage everyone to visit now.
We visited all the “must see” sights including Topkapi Palace - the locale for one of our two upcoming gala dinners with Chef Roy. I could visualize in my mind what that the event is going to be like, and if his cuisine is anything like what we have experienced with Chef Roy in the past, it’s going to rank right up there as one of the best!
From Istanbul we ventured by way of Turkish Airways to Cappadocia. This area in Central Anatolia is best known for its unique moon-like landscape, underground cities, cave churches and houses carved in the rocks. The flight was short, only 45 minutes, and Turkish Airways was a pleasant surprise. Our drive to Cappadocia was about an hour but I hear that a new airport will be in service by the time we return in May which will further reduce the drive time.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Cappadocia. I had heard about it from a few people who had visited but until you actually go there, words simply can’t describe the beauty of this place. Upon arrival to the Anatolian Houses (our home for the next 2 nights) we were amazed as the rooms are totally and completely carved out of rock and built into the sides of caves. We loved it – very cool, very interesting and we were pleased with our accommodation...definitely the most unique hotel experience I have ever had.
While viewing some of the other hotels in the region, we came across the brand new Cappadocia Cave Resorts (CCR). While we felt the Anatolian Houses were certainly acceptable for ATG clients, CCR takes it one step further with private balconies that overlook the landscape, a huge spa, open air pool, rooftop café bar, sushi bar and karaoke bar. So of course I made the decision to upgrade our group to this hotel. As the hotel is built into a cave, no 2 rooms are exactly alike, but the King Suites (with Jacuzzi) are definitely worth the upgrade.
The highlight of our journey was a hot air balloon flight that took us over this miraculous wonder. Seeing magnificent rock formations from 7,000 feet above sea level and gliding by tree tops as on the way back down is indescribably beautiful. It’s an early morning, but well worth the wake up call. It’s so peaceful and quite simply an experience not to be missed.
After our two fantastic days in Cappadocia, we made our way to Kusadasi which is the site of Ephesus. This was once the commercial center of western Anatolia, and is one of Turkey’s great highlights to be explored. The Celsus Library is perhaps the most spectacular building in Ephesus and will be the location of our formal dinner served by Chef Roy Yamaguchi and accompanied by Salvatore Ferragamo’s Il Borro wines. The structure was completed in 135 A.D. as a memorial for Council Julius Celsus Polemeanus and houses his tomb.
We will spend one night in Kusadasi before heading for Bodrum on the Aegean Coast for some down time – it’s important to rest for a few days after a full week of touring. Bodrum is gorgeous and we chose to spend the next three days at the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay. During our stay, the group will venture out in traditional wooden gulets for a day of rest and relaxation and perhaps even a dip in the Aegean Sea.
I added a night on the back end of our program in Istanbul to avoid concerns about departing flights. Plus, any shopping opportunities missed on the front end can be made up here.
I encourage anyone who has always wanted to visit Turkey but thought maybe it wasn’t the right time to do so either by joining our escorted experience in May or planning a private tour on your own. I hear stories all the time about resistance from various family members when considering a trip to Turkey. Sometimes choosing the next travel destination just can’t be a unanimous decision. But you have my word that once you arrive in Turkey and start to experience the history, culture, people, food and wine (yes, even the wine is good!), everyone will truly love it and look forward to returning.
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May 6, 2008 |
Exclusive Cruise Values and Perks - Reserve by May 30th |
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Place deposit on the following cruises by May 30, 2008 and receive promotional discounts listed below.
Silversea's new expedition ship, the Prince Albert II
Rates will never be this low again! Receive a 10% discount on any of the below sailings:
Jun 12, 2008 18 day London (Tower Bridge) to Tromso
Jun 30, 2008 12 day Tromso to Tromso
Jul 12, 2008 18 day Tromso to Reykjavik
Jul 30, 2008 16 day Reykjavik to St. John's
Aug 15, 2008 10 day St. John's to New York
Sep 1, 2008 16 day Fort Lauderdale to Acapulco
Sep 17, 2008 12 day Acapulco to Los Angeles
Sep 30, 2008 12 day Los Angeles to Acapulco
Oct 12, 2008 22 day Acapulco to Valparaiso
Nov 3, 2008 11 day Valparaiso to Ushuaia
Two Crystal Cruise Offerings
Pay with your American Express Platinum card and receive shipboard credit in addition to the incentives below.
Athens to Rome on Crystal Serenity
Departs October 06, 2008 - 12 days
*Receive one free night in Athens at the Royal Olympic (or comparable property).
Caldera to Miami on Crystal Symphony
Departs February 05, 2009 - 11 days
*Receive a 2 night PRE PACKAGE in Costa Rica for all Penthouse bookings and above (CAT A and B receive one night.)
Regent Seven Seas
Choose a complimentary helicopter tour in Monte Carlo, one complimentary night at the St. Regis Grand (or similar) in Rome, one complimentary night at the Royal Olympic (or similar) in Athens or shipboard credit of $500 per cabin.
Rome to Athens on Seven Seas Navigator
Departs August 16, 2008 - 14 days
Contact us to reserve.
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Apr 15, 2008 |
New ATG Elite Escorted Experiences Now Available |
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Turkey with Chef Roy Yamaguchi, Antarctica for Photographers and the Dramatic Landscapes of New Zealand
Click here to view details. |
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Apr 2, 2008 |
Kids FREE To Egypt This Summer |
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Click here to view ATG's Kids FREE to Egypt offer. |
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Mar 19, 2008 |
ATG News:Spring 2008 |
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Mar 6, 2008 |
See the World with Admiral Travel Gallery |
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Are you looking to expand your passion for travel into your professional life? Join the ATG team and open the door to the world’s most intriguing destinations and cutting edge travel opportunities.
“The benefit of affiliating with our company is the opportunity to experience the world the way our clients do,” explains ATG Owner and President Malaka Hilton. “Our partnerships and friendships with top suppliers all over the world allow us to extend VIP status, upgrades and other special amenities to our clients as well as our affiliates and staff.”
ATG Advisors have recently visited the Bahamas, Belize, Botswana, China, Egypt, Hong Kong, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Myanmar, Singapore, Tahiti, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam on familiarization, educational and escorted departures with the industry's top suppliers - Silversea, Crystal, Sea Dream, Regent as well as the World and the Christina O.
ATG Advisors who escort group departures experience once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities alongside our clients. Recent experiences include private wine tasting and dining with Salvatore Ferragamo at the family estate in Tuscany, watching Il Palio horse race in Sienna from a Contessa's private flat, cruising the Yangtze River, attending red carpet events at the Cannes Film Festival, attending cooking demos and private dining with menus created by Chef Roy Yamaguchi in Cape Town, at the Pyramids of Giza and onboard Sea Dream Yacht Club.
Those interested in blending their love of travel with their career aspirations are encouraged to contact Malaka Hilton for more information: email Malaka@admiraltravel.com or phone 941 951 1801.
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Feb 21, 2008 |
ATG Recruiting Experienced Luxury Travel Advisors |
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Do you specialize in niche luxury markets? Admiral Travel Gallery is currently recruiting experienced luxury Travel Advisors for part time and full time positions in our Downtown Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch locations.
Work with our team of inspiring travel professionals to grow your career to the next level. In addition to Virtuoso amenities and benefits, ATG Advisors access the hottest ‘wow factor’ experiences available in luxury travel.
Benefits include competitive compensation, flexible scheduling and amazing travel opportunities. Preference is given to established Cruise, Spa, Golf, Destination or Group specialists. Contact ATG Owner/President and CEO of Exclusive Product Development Malaka Hilton for more information: email malaka@admiraltravel.com or call 941 951 1801.
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Feb 21, 2008 |
ATG Announces Celebrity Chef-Escorted Egypt or Turkey Tours As Signing Bonus |
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What better way to learn about the exclusive product, signature service and amazing on-the-ground experiences ATG provides for clients than to witness them first hand?
ATG Owner and President Malaka Hilton is demonstrating that she’s serious about recruiting the best-of-the-best by treating the first new members to join her team to choose between her “Mal Factor” Egypt tour escorted by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten or an amazing tour of the highlights of Turkey escorted by celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi.
Click here to view Cairo and the Nile River with Guest Chef Jean Georges.
Click here to view Turkey with Chef Roy Yamaguchi.
Discover why Malaka has been named the top Super Agent for Egypt by Travel + Leisure every year since 2004, and then share the experience with your clients!
Contact ATG Owner/President and CEO of Exclusive Product Development Malaka Hilton for more information: email Malaka@admiraltravel.com or phone 941 951 1801. This signing bonus offer expires March 31, 2008.
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Feb 20, 2008 |
ATG Offers Hosting Opportunities for Top Travel Consultants |
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Are you a top-selling Independent Travel Advisor who is ready to take your career to the next level? Are you eager to deliver Virtuoso value and amenities to your clients?
Affiliate with Admiral Travel Gallery and discover the difference when you partner with Virtuoso’s leading boutique travel company. ATG pays above market compensation based on the structure that works best for your book of business.
As a host agency, ATG provides a variety of benefits that improve the bottom line for you and your clients. Contact ATG Owner/President and CEO of Exclusive Product Development Malaka Hilton for more information: email malaka@admiraltravel.com or call 941 951 1801.
• Airline contracts/ net rates and ticketing support.
• Technological Resources: intranet site, Trams Client Base Plus, email and remote computer network.
• Preferred Supplier relationships (net rates) and access to the industry’s hottest Exclusive Product.
• Admiral Travel Gallery branding and marketing support with presence on admiraltravel.com.
• Virtuoso Leads and Certification Programs.
• Access to Virtuoso Publications, Direct Mail and Email campaigns for your clients.
• Invitations to join the industry’s top supplier FAM trips as well as ATG’s exclusive FAM experiences.
• Opportunity to attend Virtuoso Training and Meetings.
• Financial reporting, invoicing and ticketing support.
• Opportunities for Mentoring and partnerships for Vacation Backup.
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Feb 20, 2008 |
ATG Announces Sales Manager Position |
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Looking for a dynamic, high-energy position in the up-and-coming Main Street shopping and dining district in Lakewood Ranch? Join our team of creative, inspired travel professionals as the “glue” that holds this luxury office together.
The Administrator will be responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the office and oversee technological operations for our team of in-office and remote Travel Advisors.
The ideal candidate must be well-organized with impeccable client service, communication and computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is required as well as the ability to quickly learn software specific to the travel industry such as Trams Client Base, Trams Back Office and Sabre.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact ATG Owner/President and CEO of Exclusive Product Development Malaka Hilton for more information: email malaka@admiraltravel.com or call 941 951 1801.
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Jan 25, 2008 |
ATG News: Winter 2008 |
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Jul 31, 2007 |
ATG News: Summer 2007 |
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May 17, 2007 |
ATG News: Spring 2007 |
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Feb 22, 2007 |
ATG News: Winter 2007 |
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Jan 4, 2007 |
Chef Roy to Kick-Off ATG Egypt Departure at Roy's with Special Guest Salvatore Ferragamo |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sarasota, FL (January 4, 2007) On Sunday, January 28th, Hawaiian-Fusion Chef Roy Yamaguchi will welcome guests at Sarasota’s Roy’s location, 2001 Siesta Drive, for a 7 p.m. four-course Wine Dinner celebrating the late September trip he will be escorting to Egypt with Malaka Hilton of Admiral Travel Gallery. Guests who reserve space on the departure are also invited to attend a private Wine Reception with Chef Roy and special guest Salvatore Ferragamo, who will be serving his signature Il Borro reds.
Roy Yamaguchi and Salvatore Ferragamo will each be escorting unique exclusive departures with Admiral Travel Gallery in 2007.
Roy’s Egypt departure is based in Cairo and includes a three-day Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan, featuring a kick off dinner at Medinat Habu temple and Roy’s culinary touches onboard Abercrombie & Kent’s Sun Boat IV. Guests will experience a rare opening of Queen Nefertari’s tomb, named among 50 ‘one of a kind’ lifetime experiences in Condé Nast Traveler’s December 2006 issue, spend a day in the desert with Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and meet former Egyptian first lady Jehan Sadat at a private reception in her villa overlooking the Nile.
The trip concludes with a tented Bedouin-style farewell dinner on the Giza Plateau where the Pyramids will serve as a dramatic backdrop to Chef Roy’s cuisine. Salvatore Ferragamo will attend the dinner in Cairo to present his Il Borro wines.
The upcoming Egypt departure builds on the success of Roy’s 2006 safari to South Africa, led by Admiral Travel Gallery co-owner and Safari Specialist Ryan Hilton.
Beginning August 27, Chef Roy welcomed 25 travelers in Cape Town, South Africa for a nine-day tour, which included the sights of Cape Town, visits to South Africa’s most elite wineries, magnificent dinner presentations crafted by Roy in conjunction with notable South African chefs and a four-day safari at Singita, South Africa’s preeminent destination for big game viewing, adjacent to Kruger National Park.
“I’ll really miss the Singita days and nights,” said Chef Roy at the conclusion of the trip. “I had such a great time with this group; I would love to travel with them again next year.”
This year’s Egypt departure is organized and presented by Malaka Hilton, owner and CEO of Exclusive Product for Admiral Travel Gallery, who has been recognized as Travel + Leisure’s “SuperAgent” for Egypt each consecutive year since 2003.
For the past two years, Malaka has been developing her line of ‘exclusive product,’ which she describes as, “over-the-top experiences that are all about the ‘wow-factor.’ It’s much more than going to exotic locations and staying in luxurious properties,” she continues. “My travelers are meeting influential people and accessing special places that leave them with memories and experiences they will treasure for a lifetime.”
A trip to Italy hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo is also slated for her 2007 Exclusive Product lineup. Salvatore first escorted ATG clients on a trip to Tuscany in 2006, which featured a stay at the Ferragamo family’s private villa of Il Borro and a rare opportunity to view Sienna’s famous bareback Palio horse race from a Contessa’s private apartment overlooking the Piazza del Campo. The trip was so popular, Malaka decided to repeat the experience one last time in 2007 for those who missed out on her initial offering. Beginning June 24, guests will spend ten days in Italy, with stays in Tuscany, Rome and Florence.
Salvatore, grandson to the famous shoemaker with the ultimate last name in fashion, manages the family’s estate at Il Borro and is passionate about the wines he crafts there. "I truly enjoy spending time with the travelers that Malaka brings to Tuscany,” says Salvatore. “To share valuable experiences such as the Palio with her guests is always a pleasure."
Guests who register for “Cruising the Nile with Chef Roy” or “Classic Italy Featuring Il Palio Hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo” are invited to meet their hosts at a private reception to be held at Roy’s prior to the Wine Dinner, whose guests will also have the opportunity to meet Roy and learn more about traveling with him to Egypt.
For more information, please call Admiral Travel Gallery at 941-951-1801. Reservations for the Wine Dinner with Chef Roy are available on a first-come, first-served basis through Roy’s (941 952-0109); however, priority will be given to guests who have registered to travel with him to Egypt. To learn more about these unique travel opportunities, please visit www.admiraltravel.com.
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Jan 2, 2007 |
Virgin Galactic Selects Ryan Hilton to Become Accredited Space Agent |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sarasota, FL (January 2, 2007) Last December at International Luxury Travel Market based in Cannes, France, Virgin Galactic, in conjunction with Virtuoso, proudly announced the travel consultants who will train to become “Accredited Space Agents” – the first and only consultants in North America allowed to reserve seats aboard Virgin Galactic’s suborbital space flights. Ryan Hilton, internationally renowned Safari Specialist and co-owner of Sarasota’s Admiral Travel Gallery, is among an elite group of 45 consultants in North America selected for this unique accreditation.
To date, the world has seen fewer than 500 astronauts, but with the launch of Virgin Galactic spaceflights that will soon change. Together with Virgin Galactic, Virtuoso’s “Accredited Space Agents” are poised to turn the dream of going to space into a reality for their clientele. The once-in-a-lifetime experience includes Astronaut training, ‘G force’ acclimatization and a sensational spaceflight lasting over two hours.
At $200,000 per ticket, Virgin Galactic’s flights are a mere fraction of the $20 million price tag associated with other commercial space tourism. And while Virgin Galactic’s technology makes space travel more attainable for the general public, it takes a talented and skilled luxury travel consultant to sell a trip to space.
“As a Virtuoso consultant, Mr. Hilton embodies the adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit needed to represent Virgin Galactic,” said Carolyn Wincer, Head of Astronaut Sales for Virgin Galactic. Ryan’s passion for space travel, combined with his talent for selling unique experiences, makes him an ideal candidate for this new level of space tourism.”
As a part of this select group of consultants, Ryan will go through a comprehensive education program in his quest to become an “Accredited Space Agent.” Training will take place in early 2007 and, once accredited, he can begin reserving seats, with the first flights launching in late 2008. Overall, Admiral Travel Gallery will make a five-year commitment to the program, which includes marketing and sales support in addition to training.
Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso, added, “By becoming an ‘Accredited Space Agent,’ Ryan and the Admiral Travel Gallery team continues to set itself apart, reinforcing its position as an innovator in the life experience business.”
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Oct 25, 2006 |
ATG News: Fall 2006 |
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Aug 20, 2006 |
Bringing the Final Frontier into the Forefront |
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LAS VEGAS, NV – Today Virgin Galactic announced the appointment of prestigious travel company, Virtuoso, as their exclusive retail travel group in North America, promoting commercial space tourism to the North American market. A select group of Virtuoso’s elite members will go through a comprehensive training program with Virgin Galactic to become “Accredited Space Agents,” making them among the first travel consultants in the world endorsed to reserve seats on Virgin Galactic spaceflights, due to launch in late 2008. Together with Virgin Galactic, Virtuoso’s member consultants will help make the dream of going into space a reality for their affluent clientele.
Selected for qualities which mirror Virgin’s values and complement Virgin’s experience in aviation, quality travel and adventure, Virtuoso’s member consultants will be the first – and only – travel agents in North America to gain full accreditation, enabling them to offer their clients a unique, three-day Virgin Galactic space adventure. This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes Astronaut training, ‘G force’ acclimatization and a sensational spaceflight lasting over two hours.
Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Group, said, "Today’s announcement is exciting. It makes space travel even more accessible for the general public, who will now be able to simply contact their trusted Virtuoso "Accredited Space Agent" to reserve a Virgin Galactic ticket into space. They may even find themselves being flown into space by Virgin Blue or Virgin Atlantic pilots, who are currently training to fly the Virgin Galactic spacecraft."
When Virgin Galactic was ready to bring their pioneering travel venture to the North American market, they immediately contacted Virtuoso, the company renowned for creating trips of a lifetime. Head of Astronaut Sales, Carolyn Wincer, says of the group, "Virtuoso was our first choice for the U.S. As the leaders in luxury travel, we knew Virtuoso’s members would understand and embrace this new opportunity. Their consultants possess three key assets that make them the ideal ambassadors for Virgin Galactic: they are at the forefront of exciting trends in travel; they are adept at selling exceptional experiential travel; and, they have a roster of clientele that are ideal candidates for space travel."
"Our members have never shied away from ground-breaking ideas; it’s what keeps us ahead of the game," says Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso, of the network’s member agencies. Upchurch continues, "People never expected to be able to travel into space, but they didn’t expect to vacation in Burma 30 years ago, either. Through this relationship with Virgin Galactic, we have the ability to take people to the next level in experiential travel. Adding space travel to their list of offerings will continue to set our members apart from other travel agents and reinforces their position as innovators in the life experience business."
With a price tag of $200,000 per spaceflight, the relationship with Virgin Galactic exceeds the “cool factor” and becomes a very lucrative venture, as Virtuoso consultants will earn commission on each sale. The initial offering for “Founder” flights, the first 100 people to experience commercial space travel, is near full already.
To date, the world has seen fewer than 500 astronauts, but with the launch of Virgin Galactic spaceflights and the help of Virtuoso’s agencies, that is poised for change. This effort will reach the general public thanks in large part to the space craftsmanship of Burt Rutan and the deep pockets of Paul Allen. However, it is because of Richard Branson’s love for all things adventure that the average, untrained civilian can become a “Virgin Galactic Astronaut.”
About Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic is a company established by Richard Branson's Virgin Group to undertake the challenge of developing space tourism for everybody. It will own and operate privately built spaceships, modeled on the history-making SpaceShipOne craft. These spaceships will allow affordable sub-orbital space tourism for the first time in our history. Virgin Galactic will run as a business with the sole purpose of making space travel more and more affordable to people throughout the world. They will reinvest funds made over the first few years back into the business striving constantly to lower prices.
Virgin Galactic Three-Day Experience
After three days of exciting preparation, bonding and training, passengers will board the spaceship, which climbs to 50,000 feet while attached to a specially designed carrier aircraft – an intrinsically safer way to launch than vertically from the ground. From here, the spaceship releases from the carrier and climbs vertically, reaching the speed of sound in 10 seconds and around four times the speed of sound in under 30 seconds, all while powered by a clean and safe hybrid rocket motor.
Traveling at over 3,000 miles an hour, the G-force surge will push the would-be astronauts back into their seats as they head into the black sky and a maximum altitude of about 75 miles above the earth's surface. When the rocket motor shuts down, everyone on board will experience the silence of space and the magic of weightlessness. They will be able to see the curvature of the earth and 1,000 miles in any direction. They will also see the atmosphere protecting the earth.
Passengers will experience about five minutes of weightlessness before the spacecraft returns to earth, passing back through the atmosphere without a heat build-up thanks to the unique wing feathering technology, and making a normal runway landing.
About Virtuoso
Virtuoso is an exclusive network comprising more than 6,000 elite travel consultants, associated with 309 agencies in 22 countries throughout North America, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Australia and New Zealand. With annual sales of $3.8 billion, Virtuoso’s member agencies make the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the world’s best travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with incredible values, rare experiences and privileged access. For more information, please visit www.virtuoso.com.
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