The potential of strong new business leads is bringing many new luxury travel brands and experiences – as well as returning, established guests – to the 6th edition of ILTM Americas at Riviera Maya, Mexico (25 – 28 September 2017).
ILTM Americas hand-picks just over 300 of the most productive and well-connected front-line buyers and agents from Mexico, Canada and the US to attend. Suppliers from across the world are given the opportunity to choose who they would like to meet in mutually matched, 15-minute, business-generating appointments throughout the event.
North America is still predicted to see the one of the biggest regional growths in luxury travel through 2025. Mexico has the largest luxury goods market in Latin America and the country’s outlook for luxury travel in also very optimistic, driven by Mexico’s fast growing upper-middle-class who are looking to differentiate themselves.
The organisers of ILTM Americas have been overwhelmed with interest from new exhibitors. Fran Asensio of Spain’s Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa comments: “We believe we have discovered one of luxury travel’s best kept secrets. ILTM Americas will give us a significant presence in a strategic market for inbound wine and gastronomy tourism to Spain. We’re most excited about the show itself, new markets, new contacts, and of course new business.”
Maritza Ortiz of Viaventure, specialising in bespoke experiences in Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, says the show has been recommended by several of their ‘business friends’, adding: “I’m excited about the opportunity to meet new luxury travel buyers from the North American market. We want to connect with new contacts that perhaps have never considered Central America as an option for their clients.”
Mark Muratori, Managing Director of Santa Barbara’s San Ysidro Ranch in California says: “We believe ILTM Americas is the right fit for the San Ysidro Ranch due to the high calibre and number of buyers that attend the show. This year will be our first year; we are looking forward to meeting new contacts, sharing the unique aspects of our property face-to-face with buyers who may not already be aware of the resort.”
Long-standing supporters of ILTM Americas clarified their positions too. Matthias Kaesweber, Vice President Sales & Marketing, The Set Hotels says: “Mexico is a leading market with significant business potential for Set Hotels. As such, we have taken part in all five editions of ILTM Americas to date and will continue to do so: the event evolves every year to the extent that the quality of the buyers – and number of new contacts we meet – is now truly exceptional.”
And Glenn Carroll, Vice President Commercial, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts adds: “ILTM Americas is an excellent event for InterContinental Hotels. Last year, we brought 8 hotels to a dedicated room at ILTM Americas, where most saw about 90% new clients – a very effective use of their time and budget. There is no doubt we will return in 2017.”
ILTM Americas Event Manager, Simon Mayle, concludes: “We are delighted to welcome such a strong line-up of luxury travel specialists at this year’s ILTM Americas. The event will mutually match the most productive and discerning buyers in their fields with these inspirational products from across the world to build loyalty, connections and business opportunities for all who attend.”