IDENTIFYING key new luxury travel trends and introducing buyers and exhibitors from 40 countries in an intense agenda of pre-scheduled meetings; ILTM Americas concluded its first edition successfully at The Fairmont Mayakoba Hotel. Over 400 key players from the international luxury travel industry met at this inaugural event to explore business opportunities between the leading luxury travel buyers from North, Central and South America and a selection of the world’s most exclusive luxury travel experiences.
CBS travel news journalist Peter Greenberg observed that the luxury travel market is growing exponentially in the Americas, not only in countries like Brazil, but the infrastructure is also growing within Paraguay, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and even Cuba. He commented: “At the end of the day, travel and tourism is one of the largest of global industries, producing one out of seven jobs and up to 10 per cent of the GDP of some countries. It will be pleasing to see which countries that are not represented at ILTM Americas this year, will be here next year; they will not want to miss this boat”.
The ILTM Americas opening forum with Travesías focussed on how the importance of marketing content is transforming media and tourism and explored the advantages that are there to be taken by both sectors.
Prior to the opening forum, two seminars were held: Mario Jobbe, COO and co-founder of Brand Karma addressed: ‘Social Media: Is it more than just participating in Facebook and Twitter?’ which explored the value of developing social media strategies, from being accessible and inclusive, to being able to sell the expertise, have a measurable return on investment and the importance of constantly reviewing new sites and opportunities.
The second seminar featured Greenberg moderating the panel: ‘The three most misused words in travel – Ecotourism, Volunteerism and Sustainability.’ The discussion debated whether it was possible for these three words to co-exist in tourism. It was observed that education, guidelines and partnerships are the main challenges in promoting sustainable environmental conservation. At the same time, the panel acknowledged that volunteering is becoming a new way to promote foreign destinations by combining innovative experiences like enhancing community service activities with luxury travel.
Speaking at the debut event, Dario Flota, director of the Trust Fund for the Riviera Maya commented: “We believe that the luxury travel market will develop by promoting growth globally. ILTM Americas is a great platform to showcase what Mexico has to offer to the world.”
ILTM Americas revealed a new definition of luxury travel: Luxury Travel is not what it used to be. Although we all have become global citizens, nowadays the luxury traveller does not seek ostentation, but instead a sense of personal value such as understanding and supporting local communities.
Buyers were effusive in their praise for the first ILTM Americas. Paula Gamas, CFO of ITG Mexico, International Travel Group, stated: “ITG has been participating in ILTM for nine years; it is an extraordinary event because of the incredibly high level of networking opportunities with luxury travel suppliers both known to us and new. We always meet with the decision makers of each company, ensuring efficient and effective business. I am very happy that ILTM has chosen Mexico as its host country, because it is the geographic centre of the Americas region. This first ILTM Americas was very successful: both suppliers and buyers have had the opportunity to reach out to the highest level of luxury travel market resources.”
Exhibitors at ILTM Americas were also keen to share their experiences too. “ILTM Americas has our commitment for the following years. Congratulations to all the team that have made this such an amazing show!” said exhibitor Diego Assis CEO, Exclusive by TLC, Portugal.
ILTM concluded: “For an industry based on creating and developing life-long relationships, ILTM Americas has realised many new opportunities for buyers and exhibitors alike. The GDP of our host country, Mexico is predicted to increase by 334 per cent by 2050 and the warmth and hospitality of its people, its reputation for gastronomic excellence as well as its 40,000 archaeological sites and diverse offerings are key to its unique offering. We are at the forefront of a new and exciting era for Latin America.”
ILTM Americas 2013 will take place from September 30 - October 3 at The Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico.