Following the phenomenal success of last year’s show, International Luxury Travel Market 2008 returns to Cannes, 8-11 December with the introduction of exciting new formats to maximise on networking opportunities.

In a climate of global recession, the trend for luxury travel continues to boom as indicated in the ILTM Buyers Survey 2007. This trend, fuelled by the increase in High Net Worth Individuals is set to continue throughout 2008.

ILTM remains the event of choice for ‘A-list’ luxury travel buyers and exhibitors and in a bid to increase value for all participants, 2008 will see the introduction of Speed Networking. This initiative will allow buyers and exhibitors to undertake a series of valuable five-minute meetings with selected business partners during five hour-long sessions. Each session will focus on a specific geographical region.

An additional innovation is Focus Forums, which will aim to provide a unique tailor made platform for exhibitors to meet with a targeted group of buyers in an informal networking environment.

Christina Wood, Exhibition Director comments, “ILTM is evolving to reflect the specific trends and needs of the luxury travel market. In an age of social media and improved technology, at the top end of the market feedback shows that high level, focused, face-to-face meetings within a truly global audience are by far the most productive types of business interaction. We’ve therefore incorporated more prospects to enhance interaction, as this is the very essence of ILTM. As always we are maintaining the highest quality with an invitation only policy to ensure that levels of business and networking remain consistently high”.

The Mediterranean was firmly back in vogue last year as shown in the ILTM Buyers Survey, which highlighted Spain as one of the fastest growing luxury travel markets. This is reflected with Turespana’s debut at ILTM 2008. As part of a strategy to shift Spain’s mass-market image, Ignacio Vasallo, director, Spanish Tourist Office said “ILTM is an unparalleled opportunity for luxury travel suppliers from Spain to showcase their products to international buyers. For the first time, the best accommodation and experiences Spain has to offer will be exhibited to this elite audience. By exhibiting at ILTM we demonstrate the importance of the luxury market for Spain”.

Italy revealed by ILTM’s research to be the most popular European destination for luxury travellers is also boosting its stand this year by profiling more partners to take full advantage of the show.

Other new exhibitors in Europe include the first and only luxury destination north of the Arctic Circle – Finland – who will be displaying an awe-inspiring ski resort called Levi Spirit.

Reflecting the dominance of high end product within the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will be enhancing their participation. Ali Al Hosanani, promotions director, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority said “The focus of the event is perfect for Abu Dhabi, as the destination's target market is to high end premium audience promoting such areas as new cultural events and some of the leading hotel brands that are opening in Abu Dhabi."

The highly successful unique formula together with the new initiatives, effectively reinforce ILTM’s position as the most innovative and leading luxury travel trade event.