Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit 2025: Revolutionizing the Luxury Travel Landscape in Las Vegas

Published on July 30, 2025

Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, will once again host the highly anticipated Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit on August 9, 2025, at the iconic Bellagio Resort & Casino. As part of the 37th annual Virtuoso Travel Week, this exclusive event gathers leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs within the luxury travel industry to discuss the role of technology in shaping the future of high-end travel experiences. This year, Virtuoso’s summit is poised to make waves in the travel tech ecosystem, highlighting how smart technology can elevate, rather than replace, the human connection that defines luxury travel. With the growing demand for cutting-edge solutions in the luxury travel sector, Virtuoso has doubled the capacity of the summit, expecting more than 500 attendees. For the first time, the summit will feature both in-house innovation and external collaborations, offering travel advisors actionable insights on integrating advanced technologies into their business models.

As travelers increasingly seek personalized, seamless, and innovative travel experiences, the summit promises to address these needs while ensuring that technology continues to enhance the human touch that is at the heart of luxury travel. With a rich agenda full of discussions, panels, and presentations, the 2024 summit will delve into pressing themes such as AI-driven personalization, virtual reality experiences, automation in travel planning, and sustainability in the tourism industry.

Key Themes and Innovations at the Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit

One of the primary objectives of the Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit is to highlight how the integration of technology into travel operations can enhance both the customer experience and business operations. Led by tech entrepreneur and Virtuoso board member Gilad Berenstein, the summit will explore some of the most innovative and impactful developments in the travel tech world.

In his opening address, Berenstein will focus on key trends within the travel tech landscape, particularly the growing role of artificial intelligence in personalizing travel experiences. AI-driven platforms are already transforming how travel advisors recommend destinations, itineraries, and accommodations to clients, providing more tailored options and real-time support. Berenstein’s keynote will underscore how Virtuoso is integrating these technologies within its tech ecosystem to support travel advisors in providing exceptional, customized service to their clients.

One of the summit’s standout presentations will feature Betsy Grebinoski from Pique Travel and Fernanda Barrence from The Trip Boutique, who will discuss the concept of the “agency brain.” Their AI-powered platform helps travel advisors offer more personalized recommendations to their clients by analyzing past travel data and preferences. The use of AI to create a more human-centered service is an emerging trend that is reshaping the luxury travel sector.

Transforming Travel Experiences: Virtual Reality and Automation

Another exciting development at the summit will be the discussion led by Dianna Rom of Windstar Cruises and Jared Shalhoub of AmaWaterways, focusing on how virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing the way consumers experience destinations. In the past, virtual tours were static and limited in scope. Now, thanks to advances in VR technology, travelers can enjoy immersive, multimedia-rich experiences that allow them to explore destinations in dynamic, interactive ways before they ever step foot on a plane.

This immersive experience can be a game-changer for travelers who wish to preview their vacation in a more tangible and engaging manner. By offering VR-based previews of destinations and itineraries, luxury travel providers can enhance their customer service, giving clients a better understanding of what to expect during their trip. It also provides an added layer of excitement and anticipation, especially for high-net-worth travelers who are accustomed to unique and customized experiences.

The summit will also feature a session on automation in luxury travel. Kate Sullivan of Anthology Travel and David Shull of Tern will discuss how unified systems in luxury travel are automating routine tasks, allowing travel advisors to focus on more complex and personalized services. This shift to operating systems marks a fundamental change in how luxury travel is managed, enabling travel advisors to streamline operations while delivering an even higher level of service.

Sustainability and Innovation: Tech’s Role in Eco-Friendly Luxury Travel

Sustainability continues to be a top priority for travelers, especially in the luxury market, where the environmental impact of high-end tourism is under increasing scrutiny. At this year’s summit, the conversation will focus on how technology is helping make luxury travel more sustainable. Vincent Shacks from Wilderness Destinations will showcase how real-time GPS and geofencing technology are being used to protect wildlife in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. His team’s work in tracking lions and livestock with a real-time Lion Alert System demonstrates how technology can be employed for conservation efforts, ensuring that travelers can enjoy the beauty of nature while contributing to its preservation.

This session highlights an essential shift towards eco-conscious travel that is becoming increasingly important for high-end travelers. Many are now seeking destinations and experiences that not only offer luxury but also promote sustainable practices. Integrating conservation-focused initiatives and eco-friendly technology into the luxury travel industry is crucial for attracting a new generation of conscious consumers who are concerned with the environmental impact of their travel.

Challenges and Solutions in Travel Technology

While the travel tech industry offers incredible opportunities, it also presents unique challenges. Paul Kearney, Virtuoso’s Senior Vice President of Technology, will address how the organization is working to standardize and modernize the travel tech environment. He will discuss the need for travel systems to interoperate smoothly and securely, ensuring that different tools and platforms can work together effectively to meet the needs of both travel advisors and their clients.

One of the challenges facing the industry is the rapid pace of technological change, which can be overwhelming for businesses that are still adapting to the digital transformation. Kearney will emphasize Virtuoso’s commitment to creating flexible, interoperable systems that allow businesses to seamlessly incorporate new technologies without disrupting their core operations.

Additionally, the summit will feature a panel discussion moderated by Virtuoso Senior Product Manager Barbara Joseph, where travel advisors will share their real-world experiences in navigating complex system changes. By drawing from firsthand experiences, the panel will offer practical insights and strategies for businesses that are struggling to adapt to the evolving tech landscape.

The Startup Showcase: Introducing the Future of Travel Technology

A highlight of the Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit will be the Startup Showcase, where a select group of emerging companies will present their innovative technologies aimed at transforming the luxury travel sector. These startups include:

• Abra Hospitality: A platform focused on delivering hyper-personalized guest experiences, creating long-lasting brand loyalty through AI-driven services.
• BeCause: A sustainability-focused platform that helps travel providers connect with eco-conscious solutions and meet customer demand for green travel.
• Bonafide: Addressing the issue of misrepresentation of travel brand information in generative AI applications, Bonafide ensures accurate and consistent brand representation across digital platforms.
• Bellboy Robotics: A hospitality robotics company focused on enhancing the guest experience by automating mundane tasks, freeing up staff to focus on higher-value activities.
• Levee: An AI-driven platform transforming the future of work in hospitality by capturing real-time data to improve operational efficiency and performance.

These startups represent the cutting-edge of innovation in the travel tech world, and their participation in the summit will provide attendees with a first look at technologies that will shape the future of travel.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future of Luxury Travel

The Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit 2025 in Las Vegas will be a pivotal moment for the luxury travel industry. As technology continues to redefine how we experience and plan travel, the summit offers an unparalleled opportunity for industry leaders, advisors, and innovators to come together and explore how digital tools can enhance human connection. With a focus on AI, automation, sustainability, and immersive technology, the summit will empower travel professionals to integrate these innovations into their businesses, helping to create more personalized, efficient, and responsible travel experiences.

As the luxury travel sector continues to evolve, staying ahead of technological trends is essential for maintaining competitive advantage. The Virtuoso Travel Tech Summit not only provides a glimpse into the future of travel but also offers actionable insights that can be implemented today to enhance customer experiences and business operations. With the support of visionary leaders, startups, and established players in the industry, the summit is set to spark new ideas, collaborations, and strategies that will shape the future of luxury travel for years to come.