If you were searching for the epicentre of luxury travel’s future last week, all roads led to Singapore, where ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 once again proved why it’s the crown jewel in the travel industry’s annual calendar.
Against a backdrop of elegant hospitality and spirited business exchange, a whopping 40,000 pre-scheduled meetings took place over four days at the Marina Bay Sands—each one a carefully orchestrated dance between the world’s finest luxury travel suppliers and the region’s most influential travel advisors. That’s a tidy 12% increase from last year, thank you very much.
While the luxury sector has always had a whiff of caviar and crisp linen, this year’s ILTM Asia Pacific event took on a new vibrancy. The show was busier, louder, and more focused than ever before. It also highlighted a seismic shift in how—and why—Asia’s high-net-worth travellers are planning their getaways.
A Swell of Affluent Wanderlust
Kicking off the event with a flourish, Dr Simon Baptist, Principal Asia-Pacific Economist at Visa, served up some juicy data for attendees. According to research unveiled during the Opening Forum, nearly half of all new high-net-worth individuals globally will hail from the Asia Pacific region between 2025 and 2028. Yes, roughly half. And they’re not just growing in number—they’re evolving in taste, with many now seeking well-being and purpose alongside their panoramic views and plush suites.
Dr Baptist also teased out key demographic nuances—what a Thai millennial wants from a luxe holiday might differ wildly from what a Korean baby boomer seeks. But one thing’s clear: the appetite for meaningful, wellness-infused experiences is not just a fad. It’s the new champagne of travel trends.
Buzz Meets Reality
Adding a touch of introspection to the glamour, Alison Gilmore, ILTM Portfolio Director, shared the latest insights from the ILTM-Altiant “Buzz v Reality” study. The verdict? The global concept of wellness is undergoing a renaissance.
“Travelling with meaning, authenticity, and wellness at the core is now more than a desire—it’s a necessity for many affluent travellers,” Gilmore noted that post-pandemic perspectives have shifted priorities across the board.
And this wasn’t just research theory—it played out in real time. Over 740 luxury travel advisors representing high-net-worth clients from 22 countries flew into Singapore with a spring in their step and a briefcase full of bespoke dreams.
From Scope33 to Starwood: Industry Voices Weigh In
The trade floor was electric with energy. Noah Luo, founder of China’s Scope33, quickly sums it up: “This year’s ILTM gave us a unique chance to reconnect and revitalise partnerships—especially with China’s outbound market booming again.”
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Adam Ang from Intriq Journey was equally effusive: “Each ILTM gets sharper, more productive. It’s the only event where I walk away genuinely excited—and with a full dance card of business prospects.”
Abbhinish Annand of Kamal Tours & Travels enthused from India, “You won’t find a better showcase of the luxury travel world than ILTM. It’s like Cannes, but for holidays.”
And, in true Aussie spirit, David Goldman of the Goldman Group chimed in with characteristic warmth: “It was a knockout few days. Productive, yes—but more than that, it reminded me why we love this industry: the people, the laughs, and the promise of what’s next.”
Luxury Brands Go Global—But Keep It Personal
The event also drew high praise from the upper echelons of luxury hospitality. Steve Odell, Senior Vice President at Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, called ILTM Asia Pacific “a beacon for the region’s travel evolution.”
“It’s not just a showcase,” he noted. “It’s a forum for visionaries. From cruise to resort, we’re seeing the future unfold right here.”
Toni Stoeckl, CMO of Starwood Hotels, remarked: “This show has helped us plant a very promising flag in the Asia Pacific sand. The feedback we’ve had from buyers has been nothing short of thrilling.”
Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s CEO, Choe Peng Sum, struck a patriotic chord: “As a homegrown brand, it’s heartening to engage so deeply with global luxury stakeholders. ILTM gives us the spotlight and the stage to shine.”
Let’s not forget Casa Tuya’s boutique brilliance. Founder and CEO Christopher Katke beamed, “Every meeting here was intentional. We’re leaving with more than leads—we’re leaving with partnerships rooted in purpose.”
Media, Momentum, and What’s Next
The buzz didn’t stop at the booths. Over 70 prominent media representatives from across the region also attended, underscoring the growing interest in Asia Pacific as the world’s rising star in experiential and luxury travel.
As for what’s next? Mark your calendars. ILTM Asia Pacific will return to Singapore from 29 June to 2 July 2026. And suppose you’re one of those forward-thinking types. In that case, additional ILTM instalments this year include ILTM North America in the Bahamas (6–9 October) and ILTM Cannes (1–4 December)—which, let’s face it, needs no introduction.
A Final Word
There’s an undeniable sense that ILTM Asia Pacific has become more than an event. It’s now a cultural moment—an annual gathering of minds and marvels- setting the pace for the region’s ever-evolving luxury travel scene. From the seasoned hoteliers and cruise line execs to the rising stars of boutique brilliance, everyone left with the same parting thought: APAC isn’t coming—it’s already here.
For more information, visit: www.iltm.com/asiapacific.
By Susan Ng
