Spread the love

Post Views: 76

In a world where luxury and travel intertwine more elegantly than ever, the 22nd edition of ILTM Cannes emerged as a beacon of this evolution. From December 4 to 7, 2023, the prestigious event marked its grandest chapter yet, establishing a golden standard in luxury travel and networking.

ILTM Cannes has long been the lighthouse guiding the luxury travel industry’s course. This year’s event surpassed all expectations, scaling new heights in both participation and impact. Over 2100 buyers from 83 countries connected with an equal number of exhibitors, representing 330 distinct luxury brands. This bustling hive of activity translated into over 82,000 one-on-one meetings, a testament to the event’s unparalleled networking potential.

ILTM Cannes 2023 – Exterior image.

The opening forum was a dazzling display of insights and inspirations. Global Strategist Tina Fordham illuminated the audience with her talk on “The New Geopolitical Risk Supercycle: 2024 Outlook,” delving into the intricacies affecting the luxury travel landscape. Aaron Lau, Founder and CEO of Gusto Collective, presented a compelling narrative on “Glocalization and Virtualization,” offering a blueprint for engaging next-generation customers. Meanwhile, Jason Wallman, Founder and CEO of the World Experience Organisation, captivated attendees with “Moonshot: How Luxury Travel Will Transform the World,” a forward-looking exploration of experientialism in travel.

The event was not just a meeting ground but a fertile soil for innovative ideas and partnerships. Testimonials from attendees like Catherine Gallagher of Travel Matters UK, who discovered the “ungoogleable” at ILTM, and Cordula Junius from Oxidant Orient Collection in Germany, who lauded it as the best global show for deepening luxury travel contacts, underscore the event’s exceptional value.

Vanessa McGovern of Gifted Travel Network in the US highlighted the presence of decision-makers from every luxury travel brand and destination. Similarly, Anthony Goldman of Goldman Travel Group in Australia described ILTM Cannes as a platform for “serious business,” where he achieved 150 impactful meetings in just three days.

Nicola Thomas, Owner of New Zealand’s Accent on Travel, praised the event’s organization and diversity, offering clients extraordinary experiences. Jaimy Steenmeijer of the Netherlands’ Ask James echoed this sentiment, excited to share new knowledge and discoveries with clients.

LHW Top Floor in the sunshine – ILTM Cannes 2023.

Exhibitors like Anna Nash of AMAN used ILTM Cannes as a launching pad for new ventures like Janu Tokyo. Sven-Olof Lindblad of Lindblad Expeditions highlighted the event’s role in promoting their new Antarctica Direct fly/sail expeditions, capturing the attention of influential travel experts.

Emerging brands found a nurturing environment too. Marta and Claudia Madera of Vestige Collection expressed their gratitude for the platform’s role in launching their brand, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. Marett Taylor of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group chose ILTM to showcase Crystal Cruises, citing the event’s unmatched global reach.

Chrisophe Berger of Visit Malta summed up the experience, emphasizing the event’s effectiveness in bringing top buyers and adding value through new lifestyle areas and media meetings.

In conclusion, ILTM Cannes 2023 was not just an event; it was a milestone in the luxury travel industry, a symposium of ideas, innovation, and connections that will shape the future of luxury travel. The success of this year’s edition solidifies ILTM Cannes’ position as the premier global platform for luxury travel networking and market insights.