ASIA Luxury Travel Market (ALTM) held at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre exclusively for the luxury travel industry, attracted over 300 buyers from 19 countries and almost 280 exhibitors from 36 countries.
The three day event in mid-June brought together sought after destinations, ultra-luxurious hotels, resorts and spas, elite transportation and unique travel experiences on an invitation only basis, where buyers and sellers meet on a pre-arranged appointment system.
“We are delighted with the support ALTM received this year,” said Christina Wood, ALTM’s exhibition director.
“ALTM recognises the ever increasing importance of the Asia Pacific luxury travel industry and is perfectly positioned to support this.”
Organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, ALTM is like no other trade event in the Asia Pacific region and is a platform for all that is pure, refined and bespoke in the luxury travel industry.
Wood felt this year’s show had “lots of positive feedback from all participants”, including Liz Espana, head of marketing, Vista Jet, who told Wood, “This is our third year at ALTM and compared to previous years we have been most impressed by the initiative of the buyers. We are meeting the key decision makers which results in almost immediate business. We have been very impressed by the calibre of our fellow exhibitors and believe ALTM has the region very well covered in terms of serious buyers.”
About 30 per cent of exhibitors were new to ALTM this year. Wood said that the luxury market buyers had reported that they were retaining clients but that they were spending less and expecting more for their money. “Asia seems to be still seeing growth but at a slower rate than previous years,” she said.
The Middle East region was hit by the recession like everyone else but provided “very positive marketing messages and strong support of our event”, with Oman appearing at ALTM for the first time this year.
"We had 100% attendance from the appointment system, mainly meeting with buyers from India, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Those are the emerging markets that are important for us. They have shown a lot of interest in the Maldives as a destination and we have doubled in terms of the Chinese market. We are actually 125% up out of China.”
Akino Nagamine, assistant director, sales & marketing, One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
 |
“This year more than ever we have needed a forum to talk about the industry and to meet people and connect. Our buyers have been from all over the region, but Silverseas key market from this region is Australia so we have seen a lot of Australian buyers, but our interest is to open up more of the Asian markets.”
Steve Odell, senior vice president, Asia Pacific, Silversea Cruises
 |
“This is the first time Emaar Hospitality Group has participated at ALTM showcasing The Address Hotels + Resorts brand and the results have been very promising thus far. We did have the opportunity to showcase the brand to key Indian, Singaporean, Korean and Chinese buyers who were very receptive to it.”
Amit Arora, corporate director of sales & marketing, Emaar Hospitality Group
 |
“This is the first time for Oman as a destination to attend ALTM. We found this exhibition very focused and most of the buyers who came to our stand were very interested in knowing more about Oman. I think for the coming years, we will participate at this exhibition and ask the private sector to join us.”
Haitham Al-Ghasani, director of tourism, promotions & awareness, Ministry of Tourism, Oman
 |
“This is my second year as a hosted buye and this year it is a little slower than last, but never- the- less good because it is always quality buyers and sellers here. With the economic situation definitely business is not too good and could definitely be better but we are hoping and looking at being positive!”
Venetta Rawat, director, Amazing Vacations, Mumbai India
 |
“This is my second year at ALTM and this year it feels in general a little bit smaller than last, but I still think there are a lot of business prospects at the show. This year our business has been surprisingly good, as we have had a very good start to the year, so we are very pleased with it.”
Joe Wilson, managing director, ASA South China, Hong Kong
 |
This is my first time as a buyer at ALTM and it has been fantastic. It is really good to see how it is all set up and to get to meet people one on one. It has been really well run, better than I expected. Business this year has been very good as we have a very strong cruise market which is keeping us “afloat” quite literally!”
Kym Nicol, team leader, GlobalNet Travel, Brisbane Australia