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At the 36th annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, during the Under One Sky Luncheon, Kristin Winkaffe of Winkaffe Global Travel was honored with the Virtuoso Advisor Sustainable Leadership Award. This prestigious recognition from Virtuoso®, the leading global network for luxury and experiential travel, celebrates Kristin’s innovative contributions to sustainable travel, which beautifully merges luxury with ecological and social responsibility.

“Being acknowledged by Virtuoso—a community I deeply respect and value—is a humbling honor,” said Kristin Winkaffe. “This award is not just about me, but about the global shift towards more mindful travel. I’m thrilled to be part of a movement that proves luxury can and should benefit local communities and protect our planet.”

Chosen from a competitive group of elite advisors, Kristin stands out for her dedication to transforming travel into a beneficial force for the planet. Her work transcends typical travel planning; she crafts experiences that ensure every journey makes a meaningful impact. The award lauds her efforts in advancing sustainable practices that safeguard natural environments, respect cultural values, and bolster local communities. Through her leadership at Winkaffe Global Travel, Kristin demonstrates that high-end travel can sustainably contribute to community upliftment, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship, securing a lasting legacy for future explorers.

Matthew D. Upchurch, Virtuoso’s Chairman and CEO, remarked, “To be recognized as exceptional by your peers, people with whom you’ve built lasting personal and professional relationships and who collectively represent the best in this industry, is a great honor,” said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. “These Virtuoso Awards honor those who consistently elevate the world of luxury travel through trusted relationships, exemplary service and offerings. Kristin represents not only the best of the best, but also something that is foundational to this network, which is the ability to build something together that is greater than we could do on our own.”

This recognition highlights Kristin’s commitment to curating experiences that prioritize people and the planet, reinforcing her place as a leader in sustainable luxury travel. But “it’s just the beginning” she says. “Moving forward, I’m committed to scaling up our impact. We’re looking at ways to deepen our partnerships with local communities, invest even more in supporting local causes, and create even more immersive and meaningful travel experiences. We want to show that sustainable luxury travel isn’t just possible—it’s the way forward. We want to raise the bar for what travel can and should be, ensuring that the benefits are felt by both travelers and the communities they visit.”