2019 sales: $325 million
Employees: 150
Previous ranking: 38
605 Third Ave.
New York, NY 10158
T (212) 532-3400
Website Executives
CHAIRMAN/CEO/OWNER: Valerie Ann Wilson
CO-PRESIDENT/CO-OWNER: Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg
CO-PRESIDENT/CO-OWNER: Kimberly Wilson Wetty
CFO/CO-OWNER: Brian J. Buttigieg
EVP: Patrick Fragale
VP: Jessica Cook
2019 Developments
Biggest growth in the company's 38-year history.
Efforts to support preferred partners, streamline workflow in all departments, watch expenditures, enhance technological tools, further execute strategic plan and grow both brand and marketing paid off.
The 2018-2020 Strategic Plan, VWT 2.0., critically examined all areas of business including clients, leadership, staffing, supplier relationships, technology, investments and diversity. Each department created key performance indicators, generating a more structured road map to better incentivize each employee to understand the "why" behind their work product and how that work needed to foster and support VWT's mission. It also drove them toward achieving their individual, departmental and company key performance indicators and goals. At the strategic plan's halfway point, the company committed to main areas of focus: service excellence, profitability, growth/increased sales and revenue and maintaining and enhancing brand/reputation.
Certified as a Women's Business Enterprise through the Women's Business Enterprise National Council.
Launched VWT Associate Access, which is an 18-month program for developing entrepreneurs who want to become travel advisors and run their own business through VWT. Brought on many new associates into this program, and within their first year they generated millions of dollars' worth of new travel sales.
Unveiled a new VWT intranet, creating efficiency and connectivity for the VWT network. This tool helped to break down the magnitude of information in a user-friendly format that allowed for easy navigation and flexibility.
VWT Suite Access, a VWT exclusive program targeting suite guests at approximately 200 participating hotels in 100 countries, expanded to the high seas by introducing VWT Suite Access Cruise. Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises are VWT's four exclusive cruise lines to join this program, which generated over $5 million in new annual suite sales between hotels and cruises.
Hired Tyler Arcaro as executive director of technology. Under his leadership the company successfully upgraded to Sabre 360; implemented SureWare, the automated client profile tool; rolled out ManticPoint for document and itinerary delivery with a mobile app; and enhanced client experience with AXUS and Approach Guides.
Acquired Island Travel, a Virtuoso agency based in Hilton Head, S.C. That made VWT the foremost travel consulting firm on Hilton Head Island and the Low Country.
Enhanced the VWT Power of Access Commission program, which is a comprehensive and competitive approach for recruiting new associates (ICs) to VWT, both with an existing book of business and new to the industry, such as millennials and career changers. It is a tiered commission structure with value-adds from supplier support to marketing to travel and training benefits. As the associates' business develops, the program becomes richer.
Launched VWT Insider Access Events, where one cruise line partner is highlighted per month. The monthlong program includes a hosted, moderated Q&A with a cruise line executive and a VWT executive to give "insider access" to information at a higher level, and functional training platforms to better understand VWT's product. Also did VWT Insider Access with American Airlines and British Airways.
Created VWT Open Mic, an hourlong meetings platform for advisors to share where they have recently traveled and give honest feedback about destinations, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, etc. VWT hosts this quarterly, and the content is recorded and shared in its Privy tool.
VWT celebrated its 20th anniversary in the Virtuoso network with an all-day event, including workshops, Q&As and a celebration in the New York headquarters.
Company Facts
One of the largest privately owned and family managed travel consulting firms in the U.S. A history of 39 years in luxury leisure and C-level business travel.
170 hosted agents, with $210 million in sales.
ARC sales of $130 million.
Specialists in international travel, which represents 70% of airline sales.
51% of sales from business, 47% leisure, 2% other.
Member of Virtuoso, CCRA, ABC.
Privately held; majority owned by Valerie Ann Wilson, Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, Kimberly Wilson Wetty and Brian J. Buttigieg.
Looking Ahead
While growth in 2020 will certainly be different than many other years because of Covid-19, VWT remains hopeful that travel will remain essential. Once pent-up demand begins, VWT hopes to increase growth in the following markets: sustainable travel, millennial and Gen Z travel and "bleisure" travel.
VWT is focusing on tailoring resources to work better with millennial and Gen Z travelers. It is increasing technology and apps that clients can use on the go to find their itinerary and other pertinent information while they are traveling.
Additionally, VWT is utilizing social media to increase engagement and help these younger travelers determine where they want to explore. VWT looks to help younger corporate travelers combine their work trip with some leisure time so they can explore the world while working.
Actively involved with numerous charitable efforts, from Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy to Tourism Cares to many other philanthropic partnerships both in and out of travel. Joined A&K Philanthropy again this year to sponsor their work on the Bwindi Waiting Mother's Hostel in Uganda, to foster a safe environment to make lasting change in a community in need and encourage not only healthy births but a healthy pregnancy.