Luxexperience winner
Melissa Smith, personal travel specialist of Spencer Travel in Australia, has won the Luxperience 2013 early bird award.
In May, she will sail on a 14-day heritage cruise to cultural sites in Japan and Korea, courtesy of Seattle-based Zegrahm Expeditions and The Small Ship Adventure Co.
Ms Smith was among dozens of travel industry buyers who registered for Luxperience 2013 before February 10. Ms Smith will join the Treasures of Japan, with South Korea cruise on the 110-berth Clipper Odyssey May 5 to 18 that retails at US$17,568 (single).
Since 2003, Spencer Travel, a corporate travel agency, has been one of 100 Australian agencies who are part of the invitation-only Qantas Agent Platinum Club. It is part of leading affinity clubs such as British Airways Prestige, Emirates Preferred, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Virtuoso and Travelscene American Express.
In 2012 it was the first travel agency to be inducted into Australia’s National Travel Industry Awards Hall of Fame for winning best corporate travel agency (single location) 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Michelle Papas, director of marketing & buyer relations said Luxperience was currently rolling out its Global Buyer Programme which is invitation only. She said that “proven high worth” international buyers will be eligible for three days’ of pre-scheduled appointments with the buyer’s choice of exhibitors, access to three days’ of networking functions, three nights’ hosted accommodation in Sydney, return airport transfers, access to the LuxConnect Private Online Community and the opportunity to experience luxury products on pre and post fam tours.