Awards & Recognition
TripMatters and our travel advisors have been recognized by leading organizations and travel partners for expertise, leadership, client service, and contributions to the travel industry. These honors reflect the experience behind our team and the relationships we have built across the travel community.
Cruise Ambassador & Cruise Icon
Recipient: Carl Fabruada, Prsident & Managing Partner
Presented by: Virtuoso
Year: 2025 & 2026
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Carl Fabruada was named Virtuoso’s 2025 Cruise Ambassador, Member, recognizing his leadership, engagement, and impact within Virtuoso’s global cruise community. He was also named a Virtuoso Cruise Icon in 2025 and 2026, a distinction reserved for the top 1% of cruise advisors in the Virtuoso network based on cruise production and engagement. Together, these honors recognize Carl for both his performance as a cruise specialist and his broader leadership within the luxury cruise industry.
Virtuoso Ruby of Siam
Recipient: Ricci Zukerman, Chairman Emeritus, TripMatters
Presented by: Virtuoso
Year: 2025
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Ricci Zukerman is a recipient of Virtuoso’s prestigious Ruby of Siam, an honor with a tradition dating to 1987. Virtuoso presents the Ruby of Siam to an agency leader who has selflessly contributed time, effort, and wisdom to strengthening the network’s collective reputation and value. It is widely described as one of Virtuoso’s highest individual honors and recognizes leadership and service to the travel industry beyond an individual’s own business.
2026 Virtuoso Cruise Icon
Recipient: Casey Zilionis, CruiseC2C / TripMatters
Presented by: Virtuoso
Year: 2026
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Casey Zilionis was named a 2026 Virtuoso Cruise Icon, placing him among the top 1% of cruise advisors across the Virtuoso network. The designation recognizes exceptional cruise production and engagement and is awarded to a select group of advisors across multiple countries and agency sizes. Virtuoso’s official 2026 Cruise Icons list identifies Casey as representing CruiseC2C affiliated with TripMatters.
Virtuoso Rising Star Nominee
Recipient: Pamela Thornburgh, TripMatters
Presented by: Virtuoso
Year: 2026
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Pamela Thornburgh was named a Virtuoso Rising Star nominee, recognizing her early success and engagement as a newer travel advisor within the Virtuoso network. The Rising Star recognition highlights emerging advisors who demonstrate strong production, industry involvement, and promise within luxury travel.