Travel + Leisure has released its 17th annual A-List,
featuring 117 agents and tour operators the magazine has dubbed best in class.
This is the first A-List since Travel + Leisure moved to a membership
model, charging agents $4,000 to be on the list. Members get a dedicated page on TravelandLeisure.com
and social media promotion.
The full list of top agents and tour operators can be found
in the magazine's September issue, on newsstands currently, as well as on its
website.
On the website, users can find A-Listers via a new search
tool enabling them to narrow down agents by location, interests and budget. In
the print edition, readers will find each specialist organized in a directory
featuring descriptions of the agents and their specialties.
According to Travel + Leisure, the list was created after
editors evaluated "hundreds of luxury travel advisors to determine which
ones best serve the brand's audience." The magazine's Travel Advisory
Board, comprised of agency owners and operators that work with Travel + Leisure
on industry and consumer trends, also gave input.
Then, Travel + Leisure vetted each advisor, looking for
things like unique itineraries and positive reactions from clients.
After selecting the A-List, the agents are invited to join
the membership program.