ILTM Americas Expands to Meet Growing Regional Markets

ILTM Americas is returning to Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya, Mexico between 30 September and 3 October. The event provides an exclusive opportunity for global luxury travel suppliers to develop business with buyers from high spending markets across the Americas continent such as Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Chile, Columbia, Venezuela as well as North America.
 
The International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s World Economic Outlook is forecasting that Latin America will expand by 3.9 percent in 2013, anchored by a 3.5 percent expansion in Mexico and Brazil (Latin America's largest economy). Research also reveals that 34 percent of ‘ultra-affluent’ consumers across the US (the world’s largest outbound market) are reportedly more interested in premium, luxury travel experiences this year.
 
ILTM Americas will welcome 300 elite travel suppliers and host 300 VIP Buyers for their exclusive benefit, creating significant opportunities to build luxury travel businesses and luxury travel communities. Up to 69 pre-scheduled appointments between each buyer and supplier will take place during the four-day event, as well as a detailed program of social networking activities.

Simon Mayle, ILTM Head of Marketing and Buyer Programs commented: "ILTM Americas is fundamental for all luxury travel brands who want to take advantage of Central and South Americas’ robust economic boom. Latin America is currently maintaining high levels of economic growth, creating a whole generation of new wealth - Peru in particular has emerged as one of the fastest growing and most stable economies in the region, alongside Panama, Chile, Colombia and Bolivia.”

Last year’s launch edition of ILTM Americas successfully welcomed 150 exhibitors and 150 luxury travel buyers, bringing together the world’s most sought after collection of international luxury experiences for luxury travel buyers from North, South and Central America.

In 2012, it was reported that Brazil overtook the UK as the 6th largest economy in the world. Panama remains one of the fastest growing Latin American countries, with a growth rate of 9.5 percent in 2012 - a rate similar to growth rates in India and China. Panama, Chile, Colombia, Bolivia and Peru achieved expansion rates in 2012 that exceeded the regional average of 3.5 percent GDP growth.