Speaker Biography
Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg
Co-President, Valerie Wilson Travel, a FROSCH Company
Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg is a staple in the travel industry. With over 30+ years in travel, the Co-President of the iconic luxury brand Valerie Wilson Travel, now a FROSCH Company, is an expert and industry resource for many. Jennifer brings a forward-thinking approach and “challenge the status quo” mindset to all her endeavors. Her commitment to the industry is tremendous and only continues to grow.
Advisory Boards:
- ASTA
- Co-Chair of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Government & Political Affairs Committee (2017 & 2018)
- Former Chair of the Corporate Advisory Council, of which she remains a member
- Former member of the ASTA National Board of Directors (2014-2018)
- Abercrombie & Kent USA
- Accor’s Travel Agent Advisory Board
- AFAR Travel Advisory Council
- Aman Resorts Hotels & Residences
- The Chatwal Advisory Board
- Collette Board of Advisors
- InterContinental Hotels Group Luxury & Lifestyle Advisory Board
- Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces
- Travel Market Report – Editorial Advisory Board
Philanthropic and Civic Engagements:
- Make-A-Wish Metro New York & Western New York
- Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy
Education:
- Harvard Business School, Owner/President Management Program (OPM 33), Executive MBA, 2004
- Haverford College, Bachelor’s Degree, 1989
Honors:
Jennifer’s hard work, dedication, and passion continues to be recognized:
- Top 50 Women in Travel by WINiT by GBTA, 2021
- Conde Nast Traveler Business/ Corporate Travel Specialist, 2021
- Travel + Leisure “A-List” Travel Advisor for Business Travel, 2012- Present
- ASTA Paul Ruden Industry Ambassador Award, 2018
- Tourism Cares Personal Philanthropic Champions Award, 2017
- NYC Make-A-Wish Gala, Honoree, 2012
- ISTA/ASTA Barbara O’Hara Advocacy Award, 2010
- Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence, Top Humanitarian Award (of which she was the first recipient), 2008
Industry Expert:
- Regularly asked to speak at both conferences and to the press as a trusted resource and expert in her field
- Quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The New York Times, Travel+Leisure, Travel Weekly, Condé Nast Traveler, and PhocusWire
- Seen on CNBC, CBS, NBC, TMR Master Series (both as a guest and moderator), PhocusWire’s New Reality With…, Skift Global Forum, etc.
- Heard on the RM World Travel Connection, hosted by Robert & Mary Carey and Rudy Maxa and Peter Greenberg Worldwide, Eye of Travel radio shows
Away from Work:
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys traveling with her husband and son. She is a seasoned golfer. Though her favorite destination is subject to change, her favorite golfing is in Scotland, where the unpredictable weather ensures an endlessly exciting game every round.
Fun Facts:
Jennifer’s enthusiasm for travel has led her all over the world. She has visited 48 of the 50 states (just missing Kentucky and West Virginia) and 57 countries, pre-pandemic. Once borders reopen, she hopes to explore these new destinations: Belize, Bhutan, Fiji, Israel, Jordan, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Rwanda, and Slovenia.