THE ILTM Future Forum will be launched at the opening of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) at Le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes on December 8. The Future Forum held in the Debussy Theatre between 6 pm to 9 pm will conduct real time research among up to 1,000 senior luxury travel providers and buyers, creating an up-to-the-minute insight into the health of the industry.
With input from industry specialists, forum attendees will debate what ILTM has identified as the most pressing challenges facing the luxury travel industry today. These include the global down turn, its impact to date and expectations for 2009; marketing through the down turn - changing strategies and channels and instilling a customer service ethos - the future for training and people development.
This forum offering a mix of education, business and networking, is expected to become a regular feature of the annual travel market.
The Future Forum agenda includes a keynote presentation entitled ‘Customers in Control Forever – The Consequences’ presented by Larry Hochman, a former European Business Speaker of the Year.
This is followed by an ILTM panel discussion on ‘Evolving Luxury Travel: Business Challenges’. As the luxury travel sector looks set to survive the economic downturn facing the wider travel industry, key figures take a look at business challenges currently facing this niche marketplace. The internet is now said to be the key influencer with decision makers. What is its impact? Is it a friend or foe?
Staffing continues to remain high on the agenda. How easy is it to source and retain skilled staff? It is said that competition is healthy. But, how do companies thrive in an increasingly competitive sector?
The moderator is Liz Barclay, broadcaster and presenter, with panelists Matthew Upchurch, CEO, Virtuoso, Dominic Speakman, managing director, Destinology and Graham Boynton, group travel editor, Daily and Sunday Telegraph.
Following this is a discussion on ‘Global down turn - is the luxury travel market susceptible? Impact to date and expectations for 2009.’
Guest panelist is Guy Gillon, director, Corporate Finance Hospitality and Leisure, Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
A discussion on ‘Marketing through the down turn. Changing strategies and channels’ will be delivered by guest panellist Piers Bracher, managing director, Diamond Advertising.
Guest panellist Larry Hochman will then discuss ‘Positive people - instilling a customer service ethos. The future for training and people development.’
Tuesday December 9 from 9 am to 6 pm brings the pre-scheduled appointment programme followed by the ILTM official party at the Martinez Hotel in the evening, to which all ILTM VIP buyers and exhibitors are invited.
On Wednesday December 10 from 9 am to 6 pm the pre-scheduled appointment programme continues and at the end of this programme
The pre-scheduled appointment programme continues on Thursday December 11 from 9 am to 5.30 pm.