ILTM: The ultimate global platform for luxury travel

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) is the ultimate global platform for the luxury travel industry, connecting elite buyers with the world's most exclusive travel experiences. Through a series of tailored events held in key locations worldwide, ILTM showcases the finest luxury accommodations, transport, and destinations to a handpicked network of high-end travel advisors and buyers. From the flagship event in Cannes to regional shows in Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Arabia, and Africa, ILTM offers unparalleled opportunities for luxury travel suppliers to forge valuable business relationships and stay ahead of industry trends.

What is ILTM?

ILTM's core mission

ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) was founded in 2002 with the clear mission of connecting the world's most elite travel providers with the top producing agents and advisors. For over two decades, ILTM has been the leading global event for the luxury travel industry.

The flagship ILTM event takes place annually in Cannes, France during the first week of December. In 2024, the dates are set for December 2nd to 5th at the prestigious Palais des Festivals, where carefully selected exhibitors will showcase their most exclusive offerings to the creme de la creme of luxury travel buyers.

Through bespoke appointment programs and unparalleled networking opportunities, ILTM Cannes facilitates meaningful business relationships between the key players shaping the future of high-end travel. It's where trends are forecasted, partnerships are forged, and the very best in luxury hospitality is celebrated.

Key ILTM events worldwide

ILTM hosts a series of global events connecting luxury travel suppliers with an elite network of buyers:

• ILTM Cannes, the flagship event held annually in December, is the ultimate showcase of luxury travel experiences. It brings together the world's most exclusive brands with top producing agents and advisors.
• ILTM Asia Pacific in Singapore is the leading event for luxury travel in the region. It introduces Asia Pacific's most discerning buyers to a curated selection of international luxury travel experiences.
• ILTM North America, by-invitation only, unites the top luxury travel advisors from the US, Canada and Mexico with global luxury travel suppliers. The event facilitates personalized appointments to build valuable business relationships.
• ILTM Latin America in São Paulo connects elite travel agents from across Latin America with the world's finest luxury travel brands. It's the platform for forging unique partnerships with the region's most affluent travelers.
• ILTM Arabia in Dubai and ILTM Africa in Cape Town cater to their specific markets, showcasing the most sought-after luxury offerings to the leading outbound travel buyers in the Middle East and Africa respectively.

ILTM Cannes: The flagship event

Event structure and networking opportunities

ILTM Cannes offers a highly structured program to maximize networking and business opportunities:

• Pre-scheduled appointments match exhibitors with relevant luxury travel buyers for focused one-on-one meetings. The efficient appointment system ensures suppliers connect with their target audience.
• Thought-provoking forums and conferences provide insights into luxury travel trends and innovations. Industry experts share valuable knowledge and forecasts.
• Exclusive social events such as lunches, cocktail receptions and gala dinners allow for relationship building in relaxed settings. Exhibitors can engage with top luxury travel buyers and media.
• The show floor features interactive brand showcases and experiences. Exhibitors can immerse visitors in their unique offerings.

This multi-faceted event structure, combining productive meetings with inspiring learning and social activities, makes ILTM Cannes the ultimate platform for forging lasting business partnerships in the luxury travel sector.

Exclusive luxury travel showcases

Discovering the latest innovations and trends in high-end travel can be challenging for luxury buyers. ILTM Cannes solves this by bringing together a curated selection of the world's finest travel experiences in one place.

From extravagant accommodations to bespoke adventure trips, the event showcases an unparalleled array of upscale offerings. Exhibitors include leading hotel groups, boutique properties, private islands, yacht charters, exclusive tour operators and more. This allows buyers to efficiently source fresh ideas to wow their discerning clientele.

Interactive brand displays immerse visitors in each unique experience. Personalized product presentations give deeper insight into the stories and details that make an offering stand out. It's an opportunity to go beyond the brochure and truly understand an exhibitor's distinct edge in the luxury market.

Industry insights and trend forecasting

Staying ahead of the curve in the fast-evolving luxury travel market can be challenging. ILTM Cannes tackles this by providing a platform for sharing the latest industry insights and forecasting future trends.

The event's thought-provoking conferences feature renowned experts who share valuable market intelligence. Through data-driven presentations and panel discussions, attendees gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping luxury travel. These sessions help identify emerging opportunities and potential disruptors.

Beyond formal presentations, ILTM Cannes fosters a constant exchange of ideas. Casual conversations in the hallways and social events often lead to unexpected insights. Attendees can validate concepts, uncover best practices, and brainstorm innovative strategies with peers. This collective wisdom helps luxury travel professionals make informed decisions to stay competitive.

Benefits of attending ILTM events

For luxury travel suppliers

Attending ILTM events offers unparalleled opportunities for luxury travel suppliers to expand their network and showcase their products to the world's most influential buyers. However, with so many exhibitors vying for attention, standing out can be a challenge.

The solution lies in a targeted, personalized approach. Prior to the event, research the attending buyers and identify those that best align with your offerings. Craft compelling, concise pitches that highlight your unique selling points and the value you bring to their clientele.

During the event, focus on quality over quantity in your interactions. Engage buyers in meaningful conversations, actively listening to their needs and proposing tailored solutions. Leverage the event's networking opportunities, such as meals and social functions, to build rapport and trust.

After the event, prompt follow-up is critical. Send personalized thank-you notes, recapping key points from your discussions. Keep the momentum going by providing additional information, special offers, or invitations to experience your product firsthand. By nurturing these relationships, you lay the foundation for productive, long-term partnerships.

For luxury travel buyers and advisors

Attending ILTM events opens doors to a world of new, exclusive travel experiences. Carefully curated exhibitors showcase their most innovative offerings, from off-the-beaten-path adventures to ultra-luxurious accommodations. This allows buyers to source fresh, unique ideas to impress their discerning clientele.

ILTM also fosters valuable relationships between buyers and suppliers. One-on-one appointments and casual networking events provide ample opportunities to connect on a personal level. These interactions help buyers understand each supplier's unique selling points and craft tailored packages for their clients.

Beyond immediate business opportunities, ILTM helps buyers stay ahead of luxury travel trends. Expert-led sessions provide insights into emerging destinations, shifting customer preferences, and sustainability issues shaping the industry. Armed with this knowledge, buyers can proactively adapt their offerings and marketing strategies to stay competitive in the evolving luxury landscape.

ROI and business growth potential

Measuring the ROI of attending a luxury travel trade show can be challenging. While the costs are clear - registration fees, travel, accommodations - the benefits are often intangible and spread over time. How do you quantify the value of a new partnership or an inspired idea?

ILTM solves this by facilitating high-value interactions. The carefully curated attendee list ensures suppliers connect with the most productive buyers for their offerings. Bespoke appointment systems allow for efficient, targeted meetings. Suppliers can have more meaningful conversations in three days than they might have in months of independent outreach.

But the ROI of ILTM extends beyond immediate sales. The insights gained can shape product development and marketing strategies, driving long-term growth. The relationships forged can blossom into loyal partnerships, opening doors to new markets. Exposure to media can generate buzz and build brand equity.

For luxury travel professionals, ILTM is an investment in the future. It's an opportunity to position your brand at the forefront of the industry, aligning with the evolving expectations of affluent travelers. In an increasingly competitive landscape, these connections and insights are invaluable for sustained success.

ILTM events, with the flagship show in Cannes, are the ultimate platform for luxury travel professionals to forge valuable partnerships and stay ahead in a competitive industry. Through curated networking opportunities, insightful conferences, and showcases of the world's most exclusive offerings, ILTM helps suppliers connect with top producing buyers and media to drive business growth. For buyers, it's a chance to discover fresh, unique experiences to wow discerning clients while gaining a pulse on the latest luxury travel trends. Attending ILTM is a strategic investment with long-term ROI, positioning brands at the forefront of luxury travel.