With Asia Pacific set to be the world’s fastest growing region in 2024 and Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia specifically ranked as three of the top 10 fastest growing Ultra High Net Worth markets, the world of luxury travel gathered in Singapore, 1 – 4 July to build connections and business opportunities at the annual edition of ILTM Asia Pacific.
Throughout the week, over 650 selected luxury travel advisors and curators from 30 countries across the region were hosted by ILTM to meet with luxury travel providers from across the globe in dedicated, mutually matched meetings.
The scene was set with an Opening Forum on Monday 1 July which included a global outlook from the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network, highlighting that Asia is expected to account for 60% of global GDP growth in 2024 – higher than the pre-pandemic average and underpinning it as key for growth opportunities. Dedicated consumer intelligence research – produced by ILTM in association with FINN Partners – revealed that the future of travel is in the hands of China’s female travellers who make 70-80% of travel decisions and account for nearly 6 out of 10 Chinese tourists last year, underscoring a shift in the gender dynamics in the world’s largest source market.
Over 50 influential media from across the region were also in attendance and many of these editors, along with the agents present were delighted to travel the world in the four days of the show and meet in person with so many luxury suppliers.
Sue Basedow, MTA Travel in Australia said: “In my 40 years travel industry experience, I believe ILTM is the best luxury travel event worldwide. Truly inspirational, connections I make are not only valuable but fuel my enthusiasm and passion to be even more creative when constructing my client’s unique itineraries. The relationships I make are priceless.”
Bobby Peng, Hovering Travel in China commented: “ILTM Asia Pacific is a very targeted and efficient way for doing business – appointments are perfectly timed and excellent quality – exactly the right number over the 3 days too. My clients will benefit hugely from my new contacts and new knowledge of new global luxury travel suppliers.”
Kenneth Cai from Singapore’s beCuriou added: “My first ILTM and I have discovered some true hidden gems. Everyone is so very knowledgeable and it’s been a wonderful networking experience. I am looking forward to next year already.”
Kottanop Sibaphirunthep, Various Tour & Travel in Thailand said: “ILTM Asia Pacific is very well planned. Our clients are increasingly looking for experiences that are not only high end but ‘stand-out’ and the range of high-end products from across the globe I am meeting here has exceeded my expectations. This has been my first ILTM and I hope won’t be my last.”
And David Brandon from Savenio in Australia concluded: “Attending ILTM is extraordinary: unparalleled opportunities to network with the industry’s leading professionals from all over the world, with a notable addition this year of more European exhibitors. The level of detail in every aspect of the show truly reflected the essence of luxury and in being part of this community this week, I feel inspired and excited about the future of luxury travel.”
Exhibitors were keen to make the most of their appointments with buyers to seek the increasing numbers of wealthy APAC travellers through their pre-scheduled appointments.
Pascal Visintainer, ACCOR Luxury & Lifestyle commented: “ILTM Asia Pacific is back with a vengeance, reflecting the immense demand for luxury travel from the region. We are so happy to be part of this excellent show – and not just here in Asia Pacific: our long-term partnership with ILTM continues to benefit ACCOR’s entire global luxury portfolio.”
Julie Rogers of PONANT Expeditions added: “I have attended every edition of ILTM Asia Pacific and from a fantastic beginning point, each year, I see the agents becoming even more high end and even more engaged – they have been selected impeccably and are perfect for Ponant.”
Kylie Stever of Australia’s Baillie Lodges said: “This is our first ILTM Asia Pacific and I’m delighted to have met with such great quality agents. They have absolutely done their research, are very engaged and definitely here to do business.”
And Jen Pagett of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises concluded: “We were excited to hear that we were the most requested independent exhibitor by the luxury travel buyers selected to attend this week’s ILTM Asia Pacific: it’s so great to see boutique travel is in such great demand. Our meetings with both agents and influential media here at ILTM have been incredible and we are looking forward to next year’s edition already.”
