The annual International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes reported growth of 12pc over 2023. The event at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes set a record with over 85,000 scheduled meetings, attracting 2,350 buyers from 84 countries and showcasing over 2,350 luxury travel brands.
The event featured discussions on trends such as the integration of wellness in travel, with notable speakers highlighting optimism for the luxury travel market and the significance of personal connections in the industry.
New areas were introduced at this year’s event, including a pavilion by Accor and several tourism boards, expanding the representation of global travel destinations like Australia, Egypt, and Brazil.
Positive feedback from attendees underscored the event’s value for building relationships and discussing innovative ideas, with plans already in place for the next ILTM Cannes, scheduled for December 1-4, 2025.
Tourism Ireland in Cannes hosted 24 Irish enterprises at the event. Around 1,100 commercial meetings were conducted by the tourism businesses from Ireland at the event. Luxury travel editors and journalists from international publications are also in attendance.
At the Opening Forum on Monday 2 December, addressing an audience of more than 3,000 and featuring three inspirational presentations for the global luxury travel community.
Merryn Somerset Webb, senior columnist for Bloomberg Opinion and host of the Merryn Talks Money podcast, voiced optimism around the upcoming largest transfer of wealth from the baby boomers.
Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, expressed a need to return to less high-tech hotel services. And TJ Abrams, VP of global well-being at Hyatt, and Alison Gilmore, Portfolio Director ILTM, unveiled a new wellness research conducted by Altiant, in partnership with Hyatt and ILTM.
The survey of 800 people across global markets revealed that “health is the new wealth,” with 74pc of travellers integrating wellness into their routines.
ILTM new dedicated areas also included a new Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) hospitality terrace, Belmond had journey through an experimental pavilion, a new CannesX lifestyle brand bar on the ground floor. Other newcomers included the tourism boards of Australia, Egypt and Mauritius and destinations increasing their presence significantly included California, Brazil, Oman, Japan and Croatia. Luxury travel brands significantly increasing their footprint at ILTM 2024 including Accor (within their beachfront new pavilion), Hilton Luxury brands, Hyatt Hotels, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Leading Hotels of the World, Preferred and Marriott International Luxury brands.
David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Business Events and Luxury, shared: “ILTM in Cannes is an excellent platform for Tourism Ireland and our industry partners to showcase the superb luxury tourism offering around Ireland – from our boutique hotels, castles and luxury resorts to our rich culture and heritage and not forgetting our world-class golf and superb culinary scene.The format of one-to-one appointments provides a valuable opportunity for our partners from Ireland to network and do business with new and established luxury travel buyers from around the world – ensuring Ireland is ‘top of mind’ for them in 2025 and beyond when recommending destinations to their clients.”
Vanessa McGovern, from Gifted Travel Network shared: “ILTM 2024 had a vibrancy unlike any previous year. Our attending advisors have already shared that these interactions have led to new opportunities and direct business during the show. ILTM 2024 offered the perfect blend of connection, inspiration, and collaboration. I walked away not just with new insights, but with actionable ideas to elevate my business and contribute to the growth of our industry.”
Albert Herrera of Internova Travel Group shared: “ILTM Cannes brings our advisors together with the most esteemed travel brands in the industry. It’s the ideal event to wrap up 2024 and set us up for another successful year ahead.”
Kelly Gelfand, TRIBE Travel Australia shared: “Amazing to see so many small boutique properties so passionate about their products. The depth and breadth here is phenomenal and the access to such high-level partners is unmatchable at any other show. The scheduling allows for meaningful appointments, but also flexibility to make quick connections.”
Roxy Robinson representing The Roxstar Group shared: “Attending ILTM has been a cornerstone of our business for many years. The connections are instrumental for us – ILTM is an essential platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth.”
Andrew Boxall of Tourism Australia shared: “The luxury market is so important to Australian tourism, and we have so much to offer that’s truly unique. ILTM is crucial for us – it’s not just about showcasing what we have to offer but also about being part of this vibrant community.”
Ian Di Tullio of Minor Hotels International shared: “ILTM is the premier luxury show in the world, which makes it our top priority event worldwide and one we cannot miss. It’s an opportunity to showcase our brand and influence the direction of luxury across the industry, particularly around experiential and transformational travel.”
Paula McColgan, The Goring in London shared: “Amazing… the stand-out show for connecting luxury specialists globally. The senior level access all in one place is extraordinary. For an independent hotel such as The Goring it genuinely is invaluable.”
Maria Luz Marín of Meliá Hotels International shared: “ILTM continually proves the power of face-to-face connections in the luxury travel industry. The personal interactions here are essential to fostering meaningful relationships and creating opportunities. Every year, ILTM exceeds our expectations, reaffirming why it’s such a vital investment for our business.”
ILTM Cannes returns 1 – 4 December 2025. Other ILTM event dates next year include:
- ILTM Latin America, Sao Paulo: 5 – 8 May 2025
- ILTM Asia Pacific, Singapore: 30 June – 3 July 2025
- ILTM North America, Baha Mar, Bahamas: 6 – 9 October 2025
