INTERVIEW – ALISON GILMORE, PORTFOLIO DIRECTOR, ILTM : “IT IS THE INDUSTRY'S FLAGSHIP EVENT” (France)
For the Journal des Palaces, the emblematic organizer of the ILTM events highlights the key moments of the 22nd edition, to be held in Cannes from 4 to 7 December |
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INTERVIEW – ALISON GILMORE, PORTFOLIO DIRECTOR, ILTM : “IT IS THE INDUSTRY'S FLAGSHIP EVENT” (France)
For the Journal des Palaces, the emblematic organizer of the ILTM events highlights the key moments of the 22nd edition, to be held in Cannes from 4 to 7 December |
Category: Europe - France - Industry economy
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Interview made by Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine on 2023-11-28
With just a week to go before stepping onto the red carpet and up the steps of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, Alison Gilmore, ILTM's Portfolio Director, who brilliantly manages the event, spoke to Journal des Palaces. She discusses the success of ILTM North America and, above all, the highlights and new features expected at this year's event in Cannes.
Journal des Palaces: How did ILTM North America go?
Alison Gilmore: ILTM North America took place in its new home of Baha Mar in the Bahamas in September, growing by 15% year-on-year with 475 buyers joining from 200 cities across the USA, Canada and Mexico, 72% of whom were new to the event.
They were joined by 475 exhibitors from 65 countries and in total, over 26,000 one-to-one pre-scheduled ideally timed appointments took place across the 3-day event with many parties, dinners, and networking events held across Baha Mar Resort and beyond throughout the week.
The event has truly confirmed its position as the leading luxury travel event in the region, and we are looking forward to ILTM North America in 2024, which takes place again in Baha Mar, 23 – 26 September.
What will be the highlights of ILTM Cannes this year?
ILTM Cannes takes place 4 – 7 December, our 22nd edition and biggest ever, 21% larger than the 2022 edition and 42% bigger than the 2019 edition. Throughout the week, exhibitors will meet buyers in 82,000 mutually matched appointments.
There are 2,106 buyers from 83 different countries, of which 33% will be new to ILTM Cannes. The top 12 countries represented by buyers (72% of the total) are: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China. France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, UK, and USA.
They will meet with 330 exhibiting brands representing 2,199 appointment diaries. New exhibitors include Oman, Banyan Tree, Brazil, Costa Rica, Norway, Abercrombie & Kent, Jamaica, Ras Al Khaimah, Finland, Slovenia, Bermuda, and Miami. Other destinations include Morocco, Croatia, Andorra, Portugal, Maldives, Japan, Qatar, Rwanda, Buenos Aires, Travel Texas, Charleston and the Dominican Republic.
What new features are you planning?
Quite a few! In brief:
CannesX – a uniquely curated design installation bringing together some of the best of contemporary, design-led brands from around the globe, including Nobu, One Aldwych, The Ned, Ennismore, Autograph Collection Hotels, The Standard Hotels and many more.
ILTM LIVING - an oasis to rest and recharge, featuring brands including Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and with Six Senses hosting their ever-popular Juice Bar, along with wellness experiences such as Mini facials, biohacking, and Sound Healing, this is the perfect Wellness Destination.
Vilebrequin La Plage @ ILTM Cannes - luxury beachwear brand Vilebrequin* will also be joining ILTM Cannes for the first time to present this new brand extension, inspired by Saint-Tropez in the 70s, where the Vilebrequin brand was born and brought to life by renowned Parisian designer, Vincent Darré. Designed with custom furnishings and a resolutely Mediterranean environment, it offers a true flavour of the glamour of the French Riviera.
*Vilebrequin partners with more than 100 leading hotels to offer their exclusive beachwear in destinations around the world. All their collections are sustainably sourced from recycled or organic materials.
Why does ILTM remain the must-attend event for all luxury travel players?
Because it is the industry’s flagship event that grows in significance each year. It also takes place as the high-net worth clients of so many global curators of luxury travel hosted in Cannes by ILTM, start to plan their leisure itineraries for the following year and beyond. It is the place to network, to see and be seen, to discover hidden gems, meet new contacts and rekindle business relationships. In short, it defines the world of luxury travel.
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