Travel Experts, the Virtuoso member host travel agency, said it increased sales by 12 percent in 2011 over 2010. According to Travel Experts, it now the number two Virtuoso agency, ranked 39 of travel management companies in the United States, with a membership of more than 200 independent contractors.

The scope and ability of Travel Experts is well recognized in the industry with more than 27 awards for the company last year including Virtuoso Chairman’s Club (every year since 2004); Classic Vacations (2011 First Place winner, Highest Gross Sales Host Agency); Seabourn Pinnacle Club; Crystal Cruises Platinum Plus Member; Oceania Cruises (Cruise Connoisseur Club); Viking River Cruise (Platinum Circle); Abercrombie & Kent’s Connoisseurs Club (Top 100 Club); Ritz Carlton Stars Program Member; Four Seasons Preferred Partner; and Orient Express Bellini Club member.

Travel Experts launched its Diamond Award program last year, recognizing Independent Contractors and staff who have been with Travel Experts for 10 years. Since this was the first year for the award, in addition to the seven 10-year awardees, Travel Experts also recognized 22 awardees that had more than 10 years, including five with tenure of 15 years or more. Another 11 of the now-annual awards will be distributed at Travel Expert’s annual gathering in Las Vegas this August during the Virtuoso Travel Mart. “The Diamond Award recognizes the best of the best and we are honored that they choose Travel Experts as their professional home,” said Susan Ferrell, president of Travel Experts. For more information, call 800-274-2544 or email info@travelexperts.travel.