Virtuoso announced that industry veteran and former Crystal Cruises VP Bill Smith will be joining the organization as its new vice president of cruise sales & exclusive product as of May 9. Smith will take responsibility for the luxury agent consortium’s preferred supplier relationships with more than 20 cruise lines, as well as the network’s flagship cruise program, Voyager Club. In his new role, Smith will oversee both teams from Virtuoso’s office in Seattle.
In his previous role as senior vice president of sales and marketing for Crystal Cruises, Smith was responsible for stewarding Crystal Cruise’s brand and increasing sales and advisor compensation.
“We are honored to have someone of Bill’s caliber joining our team,” said Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, CEO of Virtuoso. “He brings the expertise and connections that come with more than 30 years of industry experience, as well as a deep understanding of our network. It is through our successful relationship with Crystal Cruises and previous preferred suppliers that we have come to appreciate Bill’s talents. His strategic insight, ability to grow a loyal base of luxury travelers, and his understanding of the unique needs of our members will allow us to continue providing superlative cruise products and services to our members and their clients, while delivering strong sales to our cruise suppliers.”
Smith’s leadership has been recognized throughout the industry with awards such as the “Leaders in Luxury,” awarded by the editors of the Luxury Travel Advisor and Travel Agent magazines, as well Virtuoso’s own “Best Large Ship Cruise Line,” voted on by Virtuoso’s members, in 2006, 2007 and 2009. Prior to joining Crystal Cruises in 2004, Smith served as president and chief operating office of Silversea Cruises, and has held executive sales and marketing roles with Costa Cruise Line, Premier Cruise Line, Commodore Cruise Line/Bermuda Star Line and Princess Cruises. Smith’s experience also extends to the airline industry as well as Noble House Hotels and Resorts.
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