The ILTM Asia's opening forum in Shanghai, last year
When it comes to global tourism growth, Asia still takes the lead with China making a record 83 million outbound trips in 2012, 20 per cent more than the previous year. According to the World Tourism Organisation, the figures also showed that spending has increased by 42 per cent, a five-fold increase from a decade earlier. What can we expect from the travel patterns and demands of the new luxury travellers? ILTM Asia gives us the scoop.
The International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia, brings together key luxury travel buyers and agents from across the Asia-Pacific region to view some 500 of the latest travel experiences from 70 countries. And among the key highlights that the organisers have brought to light are the in the identification of next year's travel trends; which includes an increase in demand for cruise, boutique and family hotels.
"ILTM events are trade-only hubs created exclusively to develop the business of bespoke luxury travel. Agents and buyers attending ILTM Asia from across the region will have the opportunity to ensure they're ahead of the game in meeting their clients' increasing demands during three days of face-to-face pre-scheduled appointments, educational seminars and business networking," said Alison Gilmore, ILTM Asia exhibition director.
Cruise takes on higher gear
Cruise continues to grow in representation, with niche specialists such as Poseidon Expeditions, offering icebreaker cruises in the North Pole, and South East Asia Exotic Cruise representing Indonesian cruise, joining established names such as Silversea Cruises, Orion Expeditions, Sea Dream Yacht Club and Aqua Expeditions. Orient Express will be launching its second new river cruiser in Myanmar, as part of its expansion.
Boutique luxury
Hotel brands such as Four Seasons and Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) will be profiling their properties, targeting a younger generation of high net worth travellers, family-oriented guests, and travellers who are hungry for a high level of personalised services with focus on special interests, such as architecture and culture.
SLH will feature its hotels in the second and third tier cities within China, including Aman Resorts' Hangzhou Amanfayun, which has sections dating back to the 1800s. Within the Four Seasons' portfolio, the George V in Paris is increasingly recognised for its family-oriented focus, and child-friendly activities such as biscuit-baking, with behind the scenes tours.
The ILTM Asia follows strict qualification process for both buyers and exhibitors. This year, ILTM Asia will be expecting buyers from across the region including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia and Australia. The by-invitation only event will be held from June 3 to June 6, 2013 at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre.
For more information, visit www.iltm.net/asia.
Source: Travel Weekly
