The schedule for its opening Conference this year, along with details of an inaugural Industry Report on the state of the luxury travel industry have been announced by the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM). This year`s ILTM Conference will focus on the core issue of climate change and the impact of global warming on the Luxury Travel industry.

Bringing together accredited speakers and panellists from both the luxury goods market and luxury travel sector, the ILTM Conference will take place at the event in Cannes on Monday December 3.

Speakers include Costas Christ, Contributing Editor to National Geographic Adventure and Chairman of Judges for the World Travel and Tourism Council - Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, and Dr. Concetta Lanciaux, Strategic Luxury Goods Advisor, Groupe Arnault and former Advisor to The Chairman of LVMH.

Giving the keynote presentation on ‘How sustainable tourism is transforming the travel industry’, Costas Christ is an internationally recognized expert on sustainable tourism and serves as Chairman of Judges for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, which recognise best practices in sustainable tourism. This year’s other keynote speaker Dr. Lanciaux, is an expert from within the luxury goods sector, with over 20 years experience with market leader LVMH and Groupe Arnault. Dr. Lanciaux’s presentation is set to discuss “How the luxury goods industry is utilising and developing green credentials”.

Brad Monaghan, Marketing Manager at ILTM comments, “It is very exciting to have so many influential, expert speakers convene at ILTM this year. We also look forward to generating some interesting and topical discussions by bringing together some of the world`s leading Carbon Offsetting Companies along with leading luxury travel companies that are demonstrating best industry practice. They will be considering the challenges and benefits for luxury travellers and leading luxury travel businesses alike to mitigate their impact on the environment.”

For the first time, ILTM will also present its inaugural Industry Report on the health of the luxury travel industry. This research will focus on the ever-changing profile of the luxury traveller, the size and value of the luxury travel market, key destination trends, and of course the key issue of climate change and corporate social responsibility. The report will be available to all in attendance at this year`s Conference.