Including the increase in cruise, boutique and family hotels

Luxury travel buyers and agents from across the Asia Pacific will meet at the 7th edition of International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia in Shanghai in June to view almost 500 of the latest travel experiences from 70 countries across the world and exclusively identify next year’s travel trends for their clients.

The World Tourism Organisation recently reported that Asia still leads the world in global tourism. China has also revealed double-digit growth in outbound travel in 2012 making a record 83 million trips abroad, 20 per cent more than in 2011. They also spent more abroad with a 42 per cent increase from 2011 and a five-fold increase from a decade earlier.

Alison Gilmore, ILTM Asia Exhibition Director commented, “ILTM events are trade-only hubs created exclusively to develop the business of bespoke luxury travel. Agents and buyers attending ILTM Asia from across the region will have the opportunity to ensure they’re ahead of the game in meeting their clients’ increasing demands during 3 days of face to face pre-scheduled appointments, educational seminars and business networking.”

The demand for a greater choice in elite travel from across Asia has encouraged a diverse range of international exhibitors at ILTM Asia 2013.  Cruise continues to grow in representation at the event with niche specialists such as Poseidon Expeditions offering exclusive icebreaker cruises in the North Pole and South East Asia Exotic Cruise’s Indonesian cruise joining established experts Silversea Cruises, Orion Expeditions, Sea Dream Yacht Club and Aqua Expeditions.

Expanding their Asia profile, Orient Express announced last year that it will launch a second new river cruiser in Myanmar, to commence cruising in July 2013.  The 50-guest ship Orcaella, will offer a collection of cruises giving passengers access to the very heart of this beguiling country.

Ms Gilmore continued, “There is an increased presence of both boutique and family orientated hotels across Asia and beyond at this year’s ILTM Asia.  Aiming to attract a younger generation of high net worth travellers, these hotels are often situated in areas of rich historical or architectural interest, with a high level of personalised service.“

Small Luxury Hotels will profile Sheng He Club Nantong, Wu Zhen Club House and Tengchong Hot Spring – all located in 2nd or 3rd tier cities within China, as well as the Hotel Eclat Beijng, which opened in March. Other examples include Aman Resorts’ Hangzhou Amanfayun has sections dating back to the 1800s and is surrounded by tea fields and bamboo groves and the new 69 room Capella Washington in the US.

Within the Four Seasons portfolio, the George V in Paris is one of the city’s most prestigious landmark hotels and is increasingly recognised for its commitment to families.  A dedicated recreation manager available to organise child friendly experiences such as ‘biscuit baking’ with the chef and behind the scenes tours.

Founded on a strict qualification process for both buyers and exhibitors, the invitation only ILTM Asia 2013 hosts buyers from across Asia including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia and Australia. Business appointments are pre-scheduled, matching mutual requests from buyers and exhibitors alike to meet on a strict one-to-one ratio to build relationships and business communities.

For further information, please visit www.iltm.net/asia