The NASTAR Center and Virtuoso® Enter Into Preferred Supplier Agreement
Southampton, PA, USA. April 11, 2012- The NASTAR® Center, the premier commercial aerospace training and research center in the world, and Virtuoso®, the leading luxury travel agency network, signed an agreement to make the dream of space-related travel experiences a reality for both public enjoyment and education, and to provide training for actual commercial spaceflight ticketholders. As a Preferred Supplier, the NASTAR Center will provide Virtuoso’s upscale clientele with educational and spaceflight training simulation experiences at its world-renowned aerospace facility just outside of Philadelphia, PA. In exchange, Virtuoso will provide access to its network of over 7,200 elite travel advisors in 20 countries, as well as marketing and travel-related services to promote, distribute, and sell the NASTAR Center programs.
The NASTAR Center offers unique educational and hands-on aerospace adventure experiences that range from Summer Camp programs to FAA approved Commercial Spaceflight Training. www.nastarcenter.com
Thus far, the NASTAR Center has trained over 240 people for upcoming commercial spaceflights in its training program, including 115 future Virgin Galactic ‘Astronauts’ and 70 Accredited Space Agents (ASA’s).
Virtuoso is the exclusive sales network throughout the Americas for Virgin Galactic’s suborbital spaceflights. Virtuoso also has the largest network of ASA’s trained to sell Virgin Galactic. The agreement with NASTAR will enable all Virtuoso member agencies, including its ASA’s, to sell the NASTAR Center programs to audiences around the world.
“For the first time, The NASTAR Center is making its programs available through travel agencies,” says Jim Osborne, vice president, air, space and specialty products at Virtuoso. “Virtuoso advisors can now offer a wide range of training options for aerospace enthusiasts of every generation. The appeal to future Virgin Galactic astronauts is a given, but we anticipate individuals and families alike will find NASTAR’s programs an exciting opportunity to enjoy an out-of-this world-experience.”
“Virtuoso has done a remarkable job of delivering unique travel experiences around the world,” said Brienna Henwood, Director of Space Training and Research at NASTAR Center. “We are delighted to formalize our relationship and look forward to bringing new exciting and unique aerospace experiences to Virtuoso’s extensive agency membership and their clientele.”
About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the industry’s leading luxury travel network. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 330 agencies with more than 7,200 elite travel specialists in 20 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,250 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations. The network’s member agencies generate over $9.6 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com. To view Virtuoso’s latest videos, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/VirtuosoTraveler.
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