AS SHANGHAI gears up for ALTM we take an early look at the event’s sister exhibition ILTM, chat to DEBBIE JOSLIN, Reed Exhibitions group exhibition director – luxury portfolio - and preview some of the exhibitors.
Please can you give a brief overview of the show?
ILTM is the leading showcase for the world’s luxury travel brands. It’s an event where buyers of bespoke leisure itineraries come to meet with suppliers of the most sought-after destinations, ultra-luxurious accommodations, elite transportation services and unique travel experiences. ILTM is planned like a private club, where only those personally hand-picked and invited to attend are the guests for this year’s event, which is staged from December 6 to 9, in Cannes, France.
How is registration so far, and how does this compare to the same time last year?
ILTM, like its sister event ALTM held in Shanghai, China, annually, is created with a carefully selected guest list of luxury travel buyers all of whom are strictly qualified. In 2010 there will be more than 1,000 VIP buyers who have met these criteria. There are no trade visitors at the event.
Is the recovery starting to make itself felt?
In 2010 the WTO (World Tourism Organisation) expects international tourist arrivals to grow between three and four per cent against the background of the upturn in international tourism figures and the latest overall economic indicators.
By region, Asia is likely to continue showing the strongest rebound whilst Europe and the Americas are expected to recover at a slightly slower rate. Africa will continue its upward trend benefiting from the FIFA World Cup in South Africa and growth is expected to return to the Middle East.
From an industry perspective we have seen that the premium leisure end of the market has continued to do the best, with a lot of investment going into the top of the market with new hotel properties and refurbishment projects.
What were the numbers of exhibitors and attendees last year and can you estimate what you are expecting this year?
ILTM is not an event that has a target of growth. Through its very strict qualification process of both exhibitors and buyers, there is a ratio for both that provides a pre-scheduled appointment system meticulously matching VIP buyers with their request exhibitors. Some 1,100-plus participated in 2009 and some 1,200-plus suppliers exhibited. It is unlikely that these numbers will change in 2010.
What can we expect from ILTM this year, is the event programme finalised yet, is there anything new lined up?
ILTM combines three days of business appointments with a number of other networking events. Last year we launched the ILTM Ultratravel Forum. Once again this successful event will take the format of a panel discussion and a keynote presentation. Distinguished industry leaders will gather to debate the issues and trends facing the industry. This will be followed by the ultra.travel Awards.
Speed Networking is a popular diversion for exhibitors and buyers in a high-paced and energetic environment that allows buyers and exhibitors to undertake a series of five-minute speed-meetings. Returning with a new format, this year each session will focus on a specific product category and include a geographical dimension in order for attendees to select the session that is most relevant to their interests.
The focus forums are now available as a bespoke sponsorship opportunity for ILTM luxury suppliers. Exhibitors can take the opportunity to hold a one-hour showcase of their products and services and reach a group of up to 100 VIP buyers, with a specific interest in their brand, in a unique networking opportunity. In a newly adapted format for 2010, ILTM will cater for those exhibitors looking for a more intimate reception, where groups of up to 10 VIP buyers can be individually invited to a private product showcase.
Who will be the speakers/special guests?
At the moment we are outlining the theme and the speakers of the second ILTM Ultratravel Forum but it will be a top-class panel of CEO-level industry experts, figure heads and economists.
Are any new destinations emerging in the luxury sector?
Travel industry professionals have recently predicted a growth in customised and uniquely exotic travel experiences. As a result suppliers have to continuously innovate and find new ideas to satisfy demand. Due to the demand of smaller, bespoke products and destinations, there is likely to be a new area to ILTM for these suppliers where the unusual and unique can be discovered.
A continually updated list of participating companies is available on the website www.iltm.net
After the success of the ILTM ultra.travel Awards last year, will you be repeating them this year and when will nominations open?
Once again this year, the ILTM Ultratravel Forum will be followed by the ILTM ultra.travel Awards which recognise the best luxury travel experiences from around the world. The awards are voted for by the users of the luxury travel community www.ultra.travel and the participants of International Luxury Travel Market www.iltm.net. Voting for the five awards will open in late summer.
What makes ILTM a ‘must attend’ event for the luxury travel sector?
First of all ILTM is exclusive. To participate a buyer and exhibitor must qualify through a strict process.
ILTM is only for those who are professionally creating bespoke travel products either directly for their clients or through a company that could be a tour operator or bespoke travel agent. For all of them ILTM is an opportunity to see thousands of luxury leisure travel products and services from every part of the world at their own pace over three days. They choose who they want to do business with and they get to update themselves with the very latest industry trends.
For suppliers, it’s the only place to be guaranteed a diary of up to 41 pre-scheduled appointments over the duration of the show from buyers who have expressed an interest in meeting each exhibitor.