THE launch edition of International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Japan, taking place from March 11 – 13, 2013 in Kyoto will feature a bespoke selection of authentic, elite Japanese travel experiences from Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to ryokans, modern hotels and bullet trains as well as the snow covered Mount Fuji, the sub-tropical Okinawa, sumo-wrestlers and geishas.
Taking place with the support of the City of Kyoto and Japan Tourism Agency, the event highlights include the opening cultural evening within the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto – Kennin-Ji. This and other traditional distinctive experiences will stand alongside a selection of international luxury travel brands – approximately 60 in total – at the event, which has been designed to create and build communities for previously untapped high-end markets.
Koichi Kumashiro, president of My Tours commented: “ILTM events are impressive and very influential in luxury travel and we are delighted to host ILTM Japan in March in Kyoto – a city of quality, tradition and culture. Japanese hospitality - in addition to our standards and style of service – is something we are very proud of. We look forward to meeting and warmly welcoming many new luxury travel companies from all four corners of the world at ILTM Japan.”
Silversea Cruises, Orient Express, Waldorf Astoria and Conrad, Ayana Resort and Spa and Ritz Carlton are among the international brands that have confirmed their attendance. They will be profiled alongside Miyako Hotels & Resorts, traditional ryokans such as Kifuno-sato, luxury train travel including the Kyushu Railway Company plus the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo - demonstrating the diverse range of exclusive options for luxury travellers visiting Japan.
Following the successful ‘invitation only’ ILTM model, ILTM Japan will select and host 60 influential luxury travel buyers to meet with these high-end travel experiences in a series of pre-scheduled appointments to maximise business opportunities for both Japanese in and outbound luxury travel business. ILTM Japan’s pre-scheduled appointments will take place at The SODOH Higashiyama Kyoto – The Garden Oriental in Kyoto, situated alongside the Yasakanoto pagoda in the former private residence of Japanese master painter Takeuchi Seihou.
The three-day event will feature educational seminars and the ILTM Japan 2013 Opening Forum on the first day followed by pre-scheduled appointments on March 12 and 13.