ILTM ASIA sets the scene for global luxury travel in 2014

SHANGHAI - ILTM Asia (International Luxury Travel Market Asia) 2013, the exclusive business hub for buyers and designers of bespoke luxury travel experiences, closed its seventh edition in Shanghai today, announcing that over 25,000 business appointments had taken place during the three-day event.

Dedicated to delivering a business environment where VIP hosted buyers meet luxury travel suppliers on an exclusive one-to-one basis, this year’s event saw over 500 buyers from 19 countries across the Asia Pacific - an 11% increase year on year - and over 500 suppliers attend the show.

Hans Couchi, Executive Director of the soon to open Veela Private Island in the Maldives commented: “Taking part in ILTM Asia has exceeded our high expectations:  we have an exciting new product about to launch and have not only met with incredible buyers, but a host of the world’s best luxury travel media.”

Cristy Elmendorp, CEO & Managing Director of Thailand’s Soma Journeys, a first-time buyer at ILTM Asia said: “I came to ILTM Asia to manifest dream itineraries that I did not even know would be possible and the event has truly given me access to the best and the most creative in the industry – really stand-out high-end products for my clients.  I could not be more delighted.”

Kathy Kotzias of Australia’s Out and About Travel added: “Great value, genuine relationships and a strong community spirit – we’ve even seen existing bookings increase over the last few days, as well as meeting new products that will definitely enhance our clients’ experiences.”

Maita Barrenechea, Managing Director of Argentina’s Mai 10, said: “This is our third ILTM Asia and it is an icon for our calendar: nowhere else can we develop our relationships with all the top players of our industry. We are now really looking forward to our second year of ILTM Americas - our ‘home’ event and a very different intimate atmosphere in which to build business.”

Shane Arrold, Regional Director of Sales Asia-Pacific, Orient Express added: “A great calibre of buyers, inspirational panel discussions and really beneficial networking events.  From an incredible ILTM Asia, our eyes are now firmly set on the next – ILTM Americas and the  opportunity to build relationships with the top-tier buyers from equally important, but very  different emerging markets.”

Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts added: “Not only will we be back at ILTM Asia 2014, we will be participating in ILTM Spa in London later this year – to showcase our wellness concept featured within LUX* ME SPA, an exciting new opportunity for LUX* Resorts.”

Alison Gilmore, Exhibition Director, ILTM Portfolio concluded, “There is a new intensity to ILTM Asia this year and feedback continues to confirm this as the leading luxury travel event for the region.  Our continued support of the global luxury travel industry in 2013 now focuses on ILTM Americas and ILTM Spa in September and our flagship ILTM event in December.” 

ILTM Asia 2014 takes place 2-5 June 2014, once again in Shanghai.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews