Asia Luxury Travel Market 2008 to be held in Shanghai from June 16-19

The Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM), an exclusive event for the luxury travel industry, will be held in Shanghai from June 16-19 2008 at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, following the success of its inaugural event in June this year.

"ALTM 2008 promises to be an event that will exceed our expectations. The enthusiasm expressed by all the delegates for the second year of the event, is proof of this. To date 65% of the space has been booked and confirmed and a third of our targeted buyers have signed up for the 2008 event," said Event Director Jay Martens.

Several new exhibitors have already confirmed there participation for the 2008 event, including the Monaco Tourism Authority, One&Only Resorts, Cap Estel, Regent Hotels & Resorts, Conde Nast Johansens and Silversea Cruises among others.

Most of the world's top sellers of luxury travel who attended the three-day invitation-only gathering have already signed-up for ALTM 2008 and another 1,000 sq m of exhibition space has been added to fulfill demand.

"The tremendous support for ALTM shown by our exhibitors could not be demonstrated better than in the bookings we have received; leading the way are the Government of Dubai, The Leading Hotels of the World and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, all of which are doubling their stands, and Relais & Chateaux who are tripling their presence," said Event Co-founder David Hammond.

Among returning exhibitors, Sonu Shivdasani, founder, chairman and CEO of Six Senses Resorts & Spas said of the show, "ALTM answers a need for luxury hoteliers to be able to meet small niche travel agents that plan unique holidays for wealthy clients."

Mark Witney, Director of South African safari lodges Singita, said the event was "a unique opportunity to meet travel buyers not only from China, but all over Asia. We have no doubt that this previously neglected market will become significant as Asian economies boom." 

Organised like a private club, the unique invitation-only event showcases leading luxury travel suppliers to fully hosted VIP travel buyers. ALTM now intends to double the number of hosted buyers attending the event in 2008.

Unlike any other trade show, ALTM works on a unique pre-arranged appointment system, where all appointments between buyers and sellers are organised prior to the event. 

"The success of ALTM is reflected in the number of pre-scheduled appointments that were organized in its first year. Over 10,000 appointments took place over the three days of the event," said Event Director, Jay Martens.

The majority of VIP Buyers who attended ALTM 2007 have committed for the 2008 event; amongst them representatives from Virtuoso Australia/New Zealand, American Express Asia Pacific, Quintessentially, Ten Lifestyle Management, as well as many independent travel organisers catering for niche luxury travel.

Among VIP Buyers, Graham Elsom, Managing Director, Concorde Travel Consultants said, "The event was very well organised and attracted the class of exhibitor that fits the profile of my customers. We have watched our clients' demand for luxury holidays and experiences grow enormously over the past decade or more, and therefore to have a forum like ALTM for the players in the region to meet is long overdue."

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