11 – 13 March 2013
Kyoto, Japan
Following the success of ILTM Americas, Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of the leading luxury travel events International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), ILTM Asia and ILTM Africa has today announced the launch of ILTM Japan taking place 11 – 13 March 2013 in Kyoto, Japan.
Japan is home to the second largest population of high-net worth individuals after the United States. In response to industry demand, ILTM Japan is a niche event created to give international exhibitors the opportunity to meet with high end luxury travel agents, planners and tour operators to reach high-spending Japanese luxury travellers. Each of the buyers and suppliers invited to attend ILTM Japan must be accredited for participation: approximately 50 of each at this specialist event, as pre-scheduled appointments will be arranged on a strictly one-to-one ratio.
Japan is noted for being one of Asia’s largest outbound travel markets, spending US$ 27 billion in 2011. This year, a strong yen, lower fuel surcharges and increased air capacity is contributing to a further significant increase in the growth of Japan outbound traffic, already 15% up year on year.
Alison Gilmore, ILTM Exhibition Director comments:
“We have been increasingly aware of the demand from ILTM clients to focus on Japan as a key source market of high-spending discerning travellers. Whereas ILTM Asia has a 7 year proven track record in providing access to a range of buyers from over 20 countries across the burgeoning and diverse Asia Pacific, ILTM Japan will venture further, providing a direct opportunity for a selection of the world’s elite travel products and experiences to reach the most discerning of Japanese luxury travel agents and specialists.”
With inbound travel to Japan increasing by 40% in 2012, ILTM Japan will also welcome a small number of selected international buyers to discover the appeal of the broader Japan.
Ms Gilmore continues:
“Japan is a land of incredible contrasts — from neon skylines and ancient castles to serene shrines and speeding bullet trains – it never fails to fascinate. ILTM Japan will also provide an in-depth experience for high-end buyers from across the world to discover Japan’s full range of diverse wonders and meet face-to-face with the providers of these exclusive experiences.”
Daisaku Kadokawa, Mayor of the City of Kyoto adds:
“After two years hard work, we are excited to hear the news of ILTM launching a brand new event in our city, Kyoto. On behalf of 1.47 million citizens of Kyoto, I would like to express my hearty welcome to ILTM Japan and its future participants. I am confident that this will be a great opportunity for Kyoto as well as Japan to show that it is a unique destination with abundant nature and culture for experienced travellers. We truly wish that ILTM Japan will be a huge success and we will be able to contribute to the development of luxury travel market in the world.”