Welcoming 525 guest exhibitors from across the world and 525 luxury travel agents (55% new to this event) from 250 cities across the region – 70% from the US, 20% from Mexico and 10% from Canada – ILTM North America hosted its second edition in Baha Mar in the Bahamas this week (23 – 26 September 2024). Over 28,000 one-to-one pre-scheduled appointments took place across the 3 day event with many parties, dinners and networking events held across Baha Mar Resort and beyond throughout the week. A selection of North America’s most influential editors and writers – including all 8 Conde Nast Traveler editors – also attended to meet with international guests.
The carefully curated event impressed agents and exhibitors, both those attending an ILTM event for the first time as well as return guests.
Limor Decter from Embark Beyond said: “I know Cannes well, but this is my first ILTM North America – exceptionally approachable, so relevant and so very high end. These people are our secret sources – the contacts that are making the magic happen. Looking forward to next year already and so excited it will be an alongside PROUD Experiences.”
Eduardo Santoy from ANTE in Mexico commented:“This is my third ILTM and the meetings just get better and better – I don’t know how ILTM finds so many great new products show after show. And the App is perfect too!”
Lauren Wright from Carefree Travel & Lifestyle Concierge in the US added: “This is my first ILTM. It’s fabulous – so well organised and I’ve met with wonderful suppliers I didn’t even know existed. It’s going to be easy to sell to my clientele when I get home and I’m already working with some of the great connections I’ve made this week!”
And Michael Roque of Canada’s Envoyage said: “ILTM North America has given me incredible access to a range of suppliers, all of whom are looking to welcome Canadians. I feel that doors have been truly opened for business this week – this event is not only a real gateway to global access, but definitely caters to the Canadian luxury market.”
The exhibitors – both new and returning – were also enthusiastic in their praise.
Oliver Weibel of Switzerland Tourism said: “We return to ILTM North America year after year because the advisors here are excellent – it’s the perfect opportunity for us to position Switzerland to a truly luxury key source market. We also love the opportunity to meet incredible media – an amazingly impressive influential group here this year.”
Bruce Loshusan, owner of the newly opened Potlatch Club on nearby Eleuthera added: “We are so impressed with the number of incredible agents we have met this week – such strong interest from such high-end agents, ILTM North America has truly positioned our new property within this important market.”
Kara A. Smith of Boston’s XV Beacon commented: “This is our first ILTM North America and it’s amazing. Our top market is domestic, and I’ve met so many advisors from cities I wouldn’t have reached under normal circumstances such as Idaho, South Dakota and Wyoming. Three leads on the first day – one for this weekend. It’s been great!”
Karolin Troubetzkoy, owner of Jade Mountain in St Lucia said: “This is the first time I have attended ILTM North America in person. Absolutely all my appointments have been so impressive with agents knowledgeable, prepared and ready to book. ILTM has their North American luxury focus absolutely right and I will definitely attend again in person next year.”
And Leila Krešić-Jurić from the Croatian National Tourist Office added: “ILTM North America is a proven hot spot for anyone doing business in luxury travel. Not only does it provide numerous opportunities to access high performing luxury travel advisors from the leading consortia as well as independent buyers, but it also offers a highly professional set up and very relevant media opportunities.”
Simon Mayle, ILTM North America Event Director concluded: “ILTM North America is successfully ensconced in our new home in the Bahamas. And by integrating PROUD Experiences as a kick-off conference for the when we gather for next year’s ILTM North America, 6 – 9 October 2025, we will extend the unique opportunity for luxury travel professionals to engage with the most current issues around inclusivity and representation in the sector.”
ILTM North America (now incorporating PROUD Experiences) will take place from 6 – 9 October 2025 at Baha Mar, Bahamas.
The article The region’s most respected luxury travel advisors welcomed to ILTM North America 2024 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
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