Montecito Village Travel Unites Industry Leaders

September 30, 2023

[Santa Barbara, CA, September 26, 2023] – Montecito Village Travel, a leading name in the travel industry, recently wrapped up its highly anticipated annual conference, "Diamonds in the Desert," held at the prestigious Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The event saw the convergence of nearly 200 elite travel advisors and partners, solidifying MVT's commitment to connecting the best in the business.

The conference, a hub of inspiration and education, featured an array of philanthropic experiences, networking events, one-on-one sessions with supplier partners, and thought-provoking classes aimed at empowering and enriching travel advisors.

Highlighting the Opening Session was an engrossing presentation by Zach Nelson, Artificial Intelligence Specialist, who delved into the transformative potential of AI technology. Following Nelson's keynote, a distinguished panel consisting of Melissa Kruger, CEO of Classic Cruises; Scott Clifton, Director of West Coast Sales at Celebrity Cruises; and Kenna Reyner, Montecito Village Travel Marketing Specialist, shared their insights on how they are using the practical applications of AI within their organizations to elevate the supplier-advisor-client relationship.

Helen Nodland, Director, Professional Development, Virtuoso, also delivered an engaging presentation on “Why Every Batman Needs a Robin” showing advisors how to effectively scale their business with assistants while Laura Fixsen, Virtuoso Marketing Specialist, shared how to maximize the benefits of Virtuoso programs.

The event also featured dynamic panel discussions on various topics, including strategies for building group business, leveraging social media for effective marketing, and navigating the intricacies of air travel for both GDS and non-GDS advisors. The air panel discussion also provided a glimpse into the future of air booking systems, shedding light on the evolving landscape of the industry. 

The culmination of the conference was marked by the grand Montecito Village Travel Gala, a night of celebration and recognition with awards presented in several categories, including Top Supplier Partners and Top Advisors by Travel Category.  The highly coveted editorial awards include: Top Supplier Ally (Jamie Fischer and Janet White, The Montage), Most Spirited Advisor (Stephen Adair), and Rising Star (Adrianne Resek). The prestigious Colin Weatherhead Chairman's Award was presented to Christy Damas for her lifetime achievements and partnership with Montecito Village Travel.

The Montecito Village Travel conference continues to be a shining example of excellence, bringing together top industry figures and advancing travel innovation.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Connie L. Miller, CRO                                                                                                                

Montecito Village Travel

(805) 456-2545

conniem@ytc.com

About Montecito Village Travel:

Montecito Village Travel is a pioneering name in the travel industry, with a legacy spanning over 50 years of exceptional travel services. As a premier host agency, Montecito Village Travel empowers Independent Contractors and Partner Agencies with the latest tools and technologies, coupled with robust partnerships with Virtuoso and FROSCH, to offer unparalleled travel experiences to clients worldwide.