International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes a success for International Air Charter

International Air Charter, one of the world’s largest independent aircraft charter brokers, has said it gained heavily by debuting at the recently held International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), in Cannes, South of France.

The International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) attracted nearly 850 VIP buyers from over 52 countries, which was a 42% increase from the preivous year. ILTM is the only global trade event dedicated to enabling specialist luxury travel trade buyers from some of the leading outbound countries to meet exclusively with worldwide luxury travel suppliers, in a "Hosted Buyer" appointment driven forum.

Commenting on the success of the event, Hugh Courtenay, Chief Executive of International Air Charter plc stated, “We are extremely satisfied with the outcome of ILTM. We received an overwhelming response to our range of travel services from leading international travel agencies and high profile buyers involved in luxury travel from around the world. This was an ideal opportunity for us to network at the very highest level to promote our VIP private aircraft charter service to senior buyers from the luxury leisure, corporate business and incentive markets.”

The success of this year’s show can be gauged by taking into account the increase in the overall participation compared to last year. 950 tourism companies attended this year’s show which was a 54 % increase compared to last year. A total of 42,750 meetings between buyers and sellers were held at ILTM this year which was a 71% increase compared to last year. Further, the show was covered by more than 100 media representatives who gathered at the venue from various parts of the globe.

“The objective of our participation in ILTM was certainly achieved, and we have already taken a booking for US$75,000 from a new contact made as a direct result of exhibiting at ILTM. The booking taken by our UK office and starting in December, was confirmed by VIP Travel Department, a Moscow based Business Travel Agent, and is for 2 VIP aircraft, a Challenger 604 and a Challenger 601 for a charter flight from Moscow to Kittila in Norway for 11 VIP clients. Over the coming months we are certain that we will see further bookings, and plan to develop strategic partnerships with many of the key players we met at the show.

The Middle East market has shown tremendous potential for the air charter industry as the rapid development of this region has led to an increase in business travellers to all parts of the world, especially Europe. The European market for air charter has been very active for a long time and the various high profile networking opportunities that we had at ILTM helped us strengthen our position here,” said Elie Abdo, Director of Business Development, International Air Charter plc.

Private air charter services are most in demand among corporate travellers who need to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Aircraft charter offers the distinct advantages of privacy and unbeatable flexibility, allowing travellers to move at their own pace, without the inconvenience of waiting for connecting flights or delays. International Air Charter also offers clients a meet and assist service to escort them through otherwise time consuming procedures via private terminals and undergo customs checks with no queues. Clients are assured total personalised service and complete privacy to hold on-board private discussions or even a board meeting.