USA Luxury Shopping Consortium Teams Up with Virtuoso

The USA Luxury Shopping Consortium, an elite group of the luxury shopping centres in the United States, is among the newest partners in of luxury travel network leader Virtuoso. The partnership means Virtuoso travel agents and their clients will enjoy exclusive new perks at these leading shopping destinations, which include such famed brands as Tysons Corner Center in Virginia, Grand Canal Shops in Las Vegas and Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Calif.

“This partnership will provide our travel advisors with a new kind of experience to offer their clients in a variety of highly desirable U.S. destinations,” said Angela Roditi, vice president, Alliances at Virtuoso. “Virtuoso clients are passionate about enjoying shopping and dining experiences during their travels, and this new partnership with the USA Luxury Shopping Consortium will mean they’re treated like VIPs, offering them valuable benefits at these centres.”

The partnerships and related incentives will be marketed to all Virtuoso travel advisors and their clients, who will also have access to advisor training webinars on why agents should include luxury shopping and culinary experiences in their clients’ travel itineraries. Consortium team members will also be on hand to meet personally with Virtuoso advisors at Virtuoso Travel Week held every August in Las Vegas.

The USA Luxury Shopping Consortium destinations include:

Tysons Corner Center; Washington, D.C.—One of the top 10 shopping centres in the country, Tysons Corner Center is home to more than 300 department and specialty stores, including American Girl, Apple, Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, Lord & Taylor, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and Nordstrom. It also home to a 16-screen IMAX 3D AMC Theatre, fine and casual dining restaurants and a National Geographic sponsored children’s play area. www.tysonscornercenter.com

The Shops Buckhead Atlanta; Atlanta, Georgia—With more than 50 retail shops, restaurants and cafes, this outdoor destination is home to such brands Dior, Hermes, Jimmy Choo and Alice & Olivia as well as such dining options as Bilboquet, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman and Fado Irish Pub. There’s also an Urbana Wellness Spa, FlyWheel Cycling Studio and luxurious Venetian Nail Spa. Be sure to offer clients the Global Access Card, which includes such services as complimentary transportation from nearby luxury hotels, valet, personal stylist assistance, hotel package delivery, mini-facials, hotel room fittings, alterations, in-store champagne, espresso, dining discounts and gifts with purchase. www.theshopsbuckheadatlanta.com

River Oaks District Houston, Houston, Texas—More than 65 designer boutiques, shops, restaurants include such brands as Dior, Hermes, Cartier, HarryWinston, Dolce & Gabbana and Van Cleef & Arpels. The Global Access Card entitles VIP clients to special experiences such as complimentary transportation from nearby hotels, valet, personal stylist assistance, hotel package delivery, mini-facials, hotel room fittings, alterations, shoe shines, in-store champagne, espresso, dining discounts and gifts with purchase. www.riveroaksdistrict.com

Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale, Arizona—Located in Downtown Scottsdale, Scottsdale Fashion Square is located near famed art galleries, restaurants and some of the nation’s finest resorts. Leading brands such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Burberry, Cartier, Escada, Gucci and Jimmy Choo make their home here. The centre is about to undergo a renovation of its luxury wing followed by the addition of residences, class An office space and a new hotel. Construction will begin later this year, with an anticipated completion date in 2018. www.fashionsquare.com

Fashion Show; Las Vegas, Nevada—The largest shopping destination on the Las Vegas Strip and one of the largest shopping centres in the USA, Fashion Show is home to more than 250 shops, 25 restaurants and 8 department stores. Upscale brands include Henri Bendel, kate spade new york, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Tadashi Shoji, Tiffany & Co. and Tory Burch. A new entertainment experience redefines runway shows by including high energy music, dance and digital elements. www.thefashionshow.com

Grand Canal Shoppes; Las Vegas, Nevada—Located inside The Venetian | The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, the centre is home to 160 shops and restaurants located adjacent to a reproduction of Venice’s Grand Canal. Key retailers include Barneys New York, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin, Fendi, Michael Kors and Salvatore Ferragamo. The centre is also home to entertainment powerhouse TAO Asian Bistro & Nightclub. www.thegrandcanalshoppes.com

Fashion Island; Newport Beach, California—This open-air shopping centre is home to top-tier brands, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdale’s Home Store and Orange County’s only Neiman Marcus. Fashion Island is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017. www.shopfashionisland.com

Santa Monica Place; Santa Monica, California—This LEED Gold-certified shopping and dining destination, located in the world-famous city by the beach, features stunning ocean views, indoor and outdoor dining and such brands as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Emporio Armani, Barneys New York, Nike, AllSaints, Mankind, Coach, True Religion and Uniqlo. VIPS clients can also take a breather in the luxurious Concierge Lounge. www.santamonicaplace.com

The Shops at the Bravern; Seattle, Washington--Located in Bellevue, just 20 minutes from Downtown Seattle, The Bravern is home to such boutique designers as Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada and local chef-driven John Howie Steak. VIP client services include transportation to and from the shopping centre, a selection of special perks from participating stores and a VIP Gift with Purchase program. www.thebravern.com

Ala Moana Center; Honolulu, Hawaii—The world’s largest open-air shopping centre, with 2.4-million-square-feet of retail space, is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Macy’s. There are also some 340 stores and restaurants, including Louis Vuitton, Harry Winston, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Burberry and Bvlgari. Ala Moana Center is also home to more than 80 dining options. www.AlaMoanaCenter.com

Virtuoso, a by-invitation-only organization, has more than 740 travel agency members, representing some 11,400 advisors in 40 countries around the world. 

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