This year’s Virtuoso Travel Week concluded with a rare honour for one Canadian agency owner. Wendy Davis, owner of Zebrano Travel in Toronto, was awarded Virtuoso’s “Ruby of Siam” award.
It’s just the second time in Virtuoso’s history that a Canadian has been the recipient of the honour.
In a press release, Virtuoso describes the Ruby of Siam award as “longstanding” and “prestigious.” It’s awarded to “an agency owner or manager who upholds the highest professional standards, serves as a leader in their industry, and embodies the spirit of the Virtuoso network through their dedication and engagement.”
Davis told Open Jaw, “This is such an honour. I’m the second Canadian Member to win the award since 1987. (There are) 1900 agencies in the global network – and just one winner of the Ruby of Siam each year! I’m truly honoured.”
The 33rd Virtuoso Travel Week in AUG was a hybrid event, both in-person for some attendees, as well as virtual for those who could not travel to Las Vegas.
While Davis did not attend in person to receive her award at the event’s closing ceremony, she sent a video to be played during the gala.
And she received a letter of congratulations from Virtuoso Chairman and CEO, Matthew Upchurch, which she shared with Open Jaw.
“(We) appreciate you recording the video acceptance so we could applaud you on the night.
“As you know, the Ruby of Siam recognition has a long and storied tradition, dating back to 1987, and has been given to many leading figures throughout the past 30 plus years,” said Upchurch in his letter.
“I’m so pleased that you received this recognition for all of your contributions through Board and Committee work, and the multiple ways in which you engage and give of yourself… Thank you for all that you do for your colleagues in Canada and for the entire Virtuoso network.”
