The fifth edition of Travelweek Sao Paulo by ILTM closed on Friday 8 May – having hosted over 500 global luxury travel brands and experiences, as well as the same number of Brazilian and Latin American high-end luxury travel agents.
Throughout the week, hotels, private islands, cruises, airlines, retail outlets and destinations met with these hand-selected and fully hosted elite buyers in over 20,000 one-to-one meetings, building both core business and business opportunities.
In its second year as part of the ILTM Global Portfolio, Travelweek Sao Paulo also introduced an international media programme, hosting some of the world’s most exclusive luxury travel media to meet with participants.
Marisa Paska, Founder of Yoga Body Rio commented: “Having the opportunity to meet and explain our new experience to such influential press in this dedicated programme was incredibly productive. I couldn’t have dreamt of being able to reach such an important mix of international and Brazilian media so effectively – the event has been outstanding.”
Claudia Bethlem of another new Brazilian luxury travel experience, Immerse Expeditions added: “Not just the media, but the meetings we have had with leading agents from Peru, Argentina, Mexico and, of course, Brazil have been extremely effective. Our product is new and has been really well received by the market and media alike here at Travelweek Sao Paulo.”
And Chloe Gibbs, owner of the chic, Bahia eco-lodge Butterfly House said:
“We’ve met some amazing agents and really interesting press. I feel honoured to be in such prestigious company and will certainly be back.”
Travelweek Sao Paulo by ILTM also hosted established international brands including Aman Resorts, Belmond, Dorchester Collection, Fasano Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels, Leading Hotels of the World, Peninsula Hotels, Regent Seven Seas, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and many more. Pierre-Alexandre Francin of Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris commented that Travelweek Sao Paulo was “infused with ILTM organisation.”
Andrea Filippi, Belmond’s Executive Director Worldwide Sales added:
“Belmond is represented in the brand’s entirety at Travelweek Sao Paulo by ILTM because we know the quality of the buyers that attend is always so good. 75% of the buyers we have met were new introductions and all were excellent. We have had very strong leads and are confident that new business will result.”
Rob Cheng, Vice President Marketing for Peninsula Hotels said:
“Brazil and Latin America are important markets for Peninsula. We have built many new relationships during this week’s Travelweek São Paulo by ILTM, meeting exactly the right agents and media for our brand.”
And Kees Hogetoorn of the Sofitel Legend, The Grand, Amsterdam said:
“Travelweek Sao Paulo goes from strength to strength each year. In one day, we have converted initial interest from new buyers into incredible direct bookings – all within 24 hours at Travelweek! The personal touch of the show creates the best of business environments.”
Adrien Genier of Switzerland Tourism said:
“The Opening Ceremony and reception were outstanding and the show has just got better and better. We came to Travelweek Sao Paulo by ILTM to raise awareness of our destination and the media and high end buyers and agents whom we have met have more than met our objectives.”
Travel agents and operators were also enthusiastic in their praise. Tomas Perez, president of Teresa Perez Tours commented: "Teresa Perez Tours has taken part in Travelweek SP since its first edition but the event is now even stronger, more inspirational and more effective for us within its international ILTM portfolio, although still retaining its important personality, style and identity."
Fabio Franco of Rio de Janerio’s Plantel added:
“Every year, Travelweek Sao Paulo introduces me to so many new hotels and experiences – I don’t know how they do it? The event is relaxed and very efficient. It is vital for brands to come to Travelweek to meet Brazilian agents so they can understand our clients as well as the way we operate.”
Sylvio Monti Neto of Snowtime Ski Travel said:
“This is the most important luxury travel event in Latin America – so important for us to meet with snow destinations across the world and fantastic to meet so many here at Travelweek Sao Paulo by ILTM.”
And Maria Olga Borgona from Chile’s Cocha Travel added:
"This is my third time in Travelweek and as always, it’s been great. Here I find the best of suppliers and always have excellent meetings. Chile is far from the northern hemisphere, but our clients like to travel to Europe and the US and are now searching for even more exotic destinations. At Travelweek this year, I have discovered some great new experiences in Africa and Southeast Asia that I know my clients will just love."
Alison Gilmore, ILTM Portfolio’s Senior Exhibition Director concluded:
"This fifth edition of Travelweek Sao Paulo by ILTM has buzzed with Brazilian passion for the new, the extraordinary and the popular in global luxury travel. Brazilians are the second highest spenders when travelling abroad and the outbound market continues to develop. This week’s Travelweek Sao Paulo by ILTM has highlighted not only the steady outbound growth in Brazilian luxury traveller, but incredible interest from across Latin America."
ILTM now focuses on its next two key regional events: ILTM Asia in Shanghai (1 – 4 June) and ILTM Americas in Mexico (28 September – 1 October) before concluding 2015 with the flagship ILTM in Cannes (30 November – 3 December).
For further information, follow @iltm_events, #TravelweekSP, #ShareYourStory or see www.iltm.com.
