ILTM Americas 2015, the exclusive business hub for buyers and designers of bespoke luxury travel experiences from across North and Central America, closed its fourth edition at The Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico yesterday. Organisers announced that 15,000 tailor made, one-to-one business appointments had taken place during the four day event, a 20% increase year on year.
The four-day event welcomed 265 exhibitors, representing the most significant number of luxury products and destinations from across the World. They met with 265 buyers from North and Central Americas at the Fairmont Mayakona, Riviera Maya, 80% of whom were new to the event.
Arnaud Bertrand, Business Development The Americas, Hotel De Paris and Hotel Hermitage, Monte Carlo, shared: "This was a great edition of ILTM Americas - I was very impressed with all new buyers and agents I met with. The organisation was excellent and the networking opportunities even better - I am ready for next year”.
Ernie Arias, Sales Director and marketing for Park Hyatt Nueva York explained: “This was my first time at ILTM and it has been a wonderful experience. 15 minutes is the perfect time to share information and establish a good connection between buyers and exhibitors. I am in no doubt that ILTM Americas will be one of the most profitable events in which we have ever been involved. I loved the ILTM Americas app, specifically because it allows you to rate each appointment. Everything is well organised and the location is incredible.”
Deborah Yager-Fleming, CEO and partner of Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, Miami, said: “Meeting so many amazing editors has been the icing on the cake for us here at ILTM Americas. We not only had the opportunity to present our Multi-Generational app to the media, but we took part in a session where we met many more on a one-to-one basis – both fantastic opportunities.”
“The appointments are really efficient because all buyers were direct to the point. They have done research about your property, are ready and able to offer your destination so we are talking to the people who really want to work with you,” commented Ruthy Ghitis of Nayara Springs
“I am really delighted with the number of new faces that I have met at ILTM Americas 2015. Each and every buyer has been excellent and we are given a great amount of time to connect on a personal and business level,” said Jasmine Palmer, Marketing Manager of Annandale.
Carolina Bernal, General Manager of Casa San Agustín, Colombia explained: “This is the first time that Casa San Agustín has taken part in ILTM Americas and the high level of buyers I have met represent the perfect clients for my hotel. I would love to be back next year.”
“The quality of buyers is incredible and is good to see so many new faces, especially from the USA, Mexico and Canada,” said Sacha Hale, Sales Manager, Heckfield Place.
Buyers too were enthusiastic in their praise:
María Elena Gamboa, Latin America Senior Manager of American Express, said: “I consider this event excellent and yet still gets better every year. It’s where we see the most important suppliers in global luxury tourism, meet new and old friends and build businesses opportunities.”
Sergio Lozano, CEO and President of Lozano Travel, said: "This edition has been a pleasant surprise and an incredible discovery. Sometimes one assumes that some exhibitors are not relevant to your business, but knowing them and talking to them you discover a lot of potential. Also, what I love of ILTM Americas is that it is the ideal size, you have the right time to meet everyone and that makes a great community. I am more than satisfied with the experience”.
“This is my third consecutive ILTM Americas, and I think each edition is better than the previous year. There are not only more suppliers but also more commitment from them all - we do really good business here. This time for example, I discovered a small hotel in Patagonia, Argentina which has made my week!” said Junio Oliveira, 1 Turismo, Sâo Paulo.
ILTM Americas will return to the Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico from 26 - 29 September 2016. For further information, please visit www.iltm.com/americas.
