Virtuoso Announces 2026 Madrid Summit Speaker Lineup

Virtuoso, the leading global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, is preparing for its 2026 Impact Summit, taking place February 24-27 in Madrid. The second annual event has attracted a distinguished lineup of global leaders, industry authorities and innovators in sustainable tourism.

From visionary policymakers and executives driving transformation to pioneers shaping community-led conservation and purpose-driven travel, this year’s speakers represent the highest caliber of voices advancing sustainability on a worldwide scale. Their collective expertise spans equitable economic development, cultural stewardship and next-generation travel innovation, underscoring the Impact Summit’s role as a premier forum for substantive conversations and measurable progress in sustainable tourism.

Hosted by Virtuoso’s Vice-Chair and Sustainability Strategist Jessica Hall Upchurch, Vice President of Sustainability Javier Arredondo and Executive Vice President of Strategic Communications David Kolner, the two-day event will feature keynotes and conversations with leading voices, including:

• Shaikha Al Nowais – Secretary-General, UN Tourism
• Gloria Guevarra – President and CEO, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)
• Almudena Maillo – Madrid Councillor for Tourism
• Hector Coronel – Director of Tourism, Madrid City Council
• Natalia Bayona – Executive Director, UN Tourism
• Vittoria Ferragamo – Sustainability and Special Projects Manager, Il Borro
• Nathan Lump – Senior Vice President, Editor in Chief, National Geographic
• Maria Shollenbarger – Travel Editor, Financial Times HTSI

Following the Summit, Virtuoso will release additional insights, including key findings from a collaborative study with Destination Madrid. For more details on Virtuoso’s network of the world’s best travel agencies, advisors and preferred partners, visit www.virtuoso.com.