The Virtuoso Travel network has recognised Perth-based Bicton Travel & Claremont Travel Managing Director Carole Smethurst as Australia & New Zealand’s Most Admired Travel Advisor at the 2026 Virtuoso Travel Week.

The Most Admired Advisor Award celebrates the success, unparalleled leadership, vision, an unrelenting passion for the travel industry, an engaged commitment to the network, an appreciation for detail and alignment with Virtuoso’s ethos.

Nominations for the coveted Virtuoso Global Awards came from a survey of the worldwide Virtuoso network, and elected members of various Boards and Committees voted to determine the winners.

Accepting the award on Ms Smethurst’s behalf at the Bellagio Resort & Casino, Las Vegas last week were Claremont Travel Team Leader Lee Van Dongen and Travel Advisor Katie Lapierre.

Upon receiving notice of her award, Managing Director Carole Smethurst commented “I am extremely honoured to have won this award and be recognised by the Virtuoso network. I’m incredibly lucky to be supported by an incredible team who day in day out focus on delivering great holidays for our clients.

I am so proud that Bicton and Claremont Travel is once again recognised as not only the agency of choice for so many West Australians, but also as a leader in our industry.”

The recognition adds to Ms Smethurst’s long list of industry achievements. In 2016 she was inducted in the Cruise Line Industry Association Hall of Fame for her significant contribution to the development of the cruise industry in Australia. She has since become recognised as one of the foremost cruise experts in Australia and was the country’s first travel agent to christen a new river ship, becoming godmother to APT’s luxury 158-passenger Amastella.

In 2024 Bicton & Claremont Travel was recognised as The Best Retail Travel Agency in 2024 at the National Travel Industry Awards.

With a team of 28 and with two locations, Bicton and Claremont Travel continues to be a market leader in cruise and luxury travel as one of Western Australia’s first established cruise specialist agencies founded by Ms Smethurst in 1998.

The Virtuoso Cruise Icon designation is a prestigious recognition awarded by Virtuoso, a global network specialising in luxury and experiential travel. This honour is bestowed upon travel advisors who rank in the top 1% of Virtuoso’s cruise sales, acknowledging their exceptional performance and commitment to delivering outstanding service in the luxury cruise sector.

Bicton Travel and Claremont Cruise & Travel Centre are delighted to announce that the following consultants have been welcomed into this esteemed program:

• Phil Smethurst

• Carole Smethurst

• Byron Horne

• Gemma Smith

• Hollie McCann

• Lee Van Dongen

• Julie McMillan

• Nadia Redman

• Karen Broadhurst

• Ben Chidgzey

For travellers, working with a Virtuoso Cruise Icon advisor offers access to exclusive benefits and personalised services. These may include complimentary shipboard credits, bespoke shore excursions, welcome aboard receptions, and dedicated onboard hosts – all designed to enhance the overall cruise experience.

Australia’s most awarded independent travel agency Bicton Travel celebrates 25 years today, marking a quarter of a century of delivering exceptional holidays to West Australians.

Managing Director Carole Smethurst founded Bicton Travel in 1998, and what started as a team of two quickly grew to become one of Australia’s most successful travel agencies.

Reflecting on this significant milestone, Carole Smethurst commented, “I am extremely proud to celebrate Bicton Travel’s 25^th birthday. Over the years, it has been so rewarding to see the business go from strength to strength and one that continues to be recognised as a leader in our industry.”

She continued, “And of course, we wouldn’t be here without our exceptional team and the continuous support of our clients, who put their trust in us to deliver their fantastic holidays year after year.”

Earlier this year, Bicton Travel took home the Small Cruise Agency of the Year award at the 2023 CLIA Awards, marking the company’s ninth category-winning award.

Realising early the appetite Australian’s have for cruising, Smethurst remains one of Australia’s foremost cruise experts. In 2016, her contribution to the cruise industry was formally recognised as she was inducted into the CLIA Hall of Fame. The same year, Smethurst was also named godmother of the luxury APT ship, the 158-passenger AmaStella.

In 2018, as a way to give back to the local community, Bicton Travel raised $50,000 for Camp Quality at their 20-year anniversary celebrations, a charity that provides help and support for children whose lives are affected by cancer.

This year has been an exceptional year of growth for Bicton Travel, with the agency acquiring Claremont Cruise and Travel Centre, establishing the brand’s second branch and continuing the business’s renewed focus on providing luxury and premium travel services.

Bicton Travel, Australia’s most awarded, independent travel agency has recently acquired Claremont Cruise and Travel Centre, from agency owner Lyn Murphy, effective July 2023.

The purchase of the agency supports Bicton Travel’s focus on providing luxury and premium travel services.

In addition, Claremont Cruise and Travel Centre will be able to leverage Bicton Travel’s industry expertise, and strong reputation for quality and customer service to continue providing top-quality travel services to customers.

Well-established Claremont Cruise and Travel Centre will continue to operate under its current name, with its employees remaining in place. However, clients can expect to see new travel offerings within the branch as a result of the acquisition.