ILTM Americas generated $8.5 million dollars in business during its 2013 edition and the 2014 event is now set to expand further, welcoming new global and boutique hotels, villas, yachts, destinations and other experiences looking to build business contacts.
In the lead up to ILTM Americas 2014, 22 – 25 September in Riviera Maya, Mexico, ILTM organisers have revealed details of their consultation with the exhibitors and luxury travel agents who attended the 2013 edition.
Luxury travel suppliers from all four corner of the world attended ILTM Americas 2013 to build business opportunities and relationships including generating both international and Mexican-specific sales leads as well as launching and promoting brands, products and services. 71% of those attending expected to complete business deals in a period ranging from 4 months to 1 year.
The event also welcomed 230 buyers from 14 countries across the Americas with 86% new to ILTM Americas and 56% new to any ILTM event: 97% were satisfied with the event, meeting objectives such as finding a new supplier (77%), sourcing Mexican luxury products and services (44%), and international luxury products and services (71%), looking for inspiration and to see what's new (68%), as well as networking with other visitors (44%).
Buyers showed a great interest in seeing more exhibitors from other sectors such as: private villas, cultural and unique attractions, gastronomic experiences, boutique and luxury hotels, as well as yacht charter and sailing holidays, inbound operators (DMC) serviced apartments, extreme adventures, cruise lines, spa and wellbeing. The most interesting destinations were the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Australasia and the Pacific Islands.
Simon Mayle, Head of Marketing, ILTM Portfolio comments, "ILTM Americas promises to deliver up to 15,000, 15 minute appointments for participating luxury travel suppliers to meet with a new generation of luxury travel agents, more than 50% new to ILTM events. We are delighted to be able to extend the event to welcome even more high end products from new sectors and meet the vigorous demand from our discerning buyers from Brazil, Mexico, Latin America and North America."
