THE International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) returns to Cannes in December 8 to 11, and will be introducing new formats to maximise on networking opportunities.
In a bid to increase value for all participants, 2008 will see the introduction of “speed networking”. This initiative will allow buyers and exhibitors to undertake a series of valuable five minute meetings with selected business partners during five hour long sessions. Each session will focus on a specific geographical region.
An additional innovation is “focus forums”, which will aim to provide a unique tailor made platform for exhibitors to meet with a targeted group of buyers in an informal networking environment.
Christina Wood, Exhibition Director said, “ILTM is evolving to reflect the specific trends and needs of the luxury travel market. In an age of social media and improved technology, at the top end of the market feedback shows that high level, focused, face-to-face meetings within a truly global audience are by far the most productive types of business interaction. We’ve therefore incorporated more prospects to enhance interaction, as this is the very essence of ILTM.
As always we are maintaining the highest quality with an invitation only policy to ensure that levels of business and networking remain consistently high”. Turespana makes a debut at ILTM 2008. As part of a strategy to shift Spain’s mass-market image, Ignacio Vasallo, director, Spanish Tourist Office said, “ILTM is an unparalleled opportunity for luxury travel suppliers from Spain to showcase their products to international buyers. For the first time, the best accommodation and experiences Spain has to offer will be exhibited to this elite audience. By exhibiting at ILTM we demonstrate the importance of the luxury market for Spain”.
Other new exhibitors include the first and only luxury destination north of the Arctic Circle, Finland, which will display a ski resort called Levi Spirit, and Abu Dhabi will be enhancing its participation. ILTM will be held at Le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes.
For more information visit www.iltm.net