It’s a wrap for the inaugural GTM Luxury Asia Pacific, an invitation-only event which spotlighted a resilient luxury travel market that is increasingly seeking more distinctive and experience-led journeys across the region.
Launched by Northstar Travel Group – the parent of Travel Weekly Asia – the two-day event brought together the region’s luxury travel advisors with a curated selection of global suppliers in a focused setting for business exchange and discussions.
“Asia Pacific continues to play an important role in the luxury travel sector,” observed Robert G. Sullivan, CCO and president of Northstar Travel Group.
“The level of travel advisor interest and the calibre of suppliers at this inaugural edition underline the region’s position in the luxury travel market.”
Supplier diaries were filled across two fruitful days of discussions, with sustained interest in focused, in-market business exchange within the luxury travel sector.
The event was also complemented by programme elements such as pre-scheduled appointments, experiential tours and networking sessions, shared Irene Chua, Vice President and Group Publisher, Asia, Northstar Travel Group.
Asia Pacific’s driving force
Hankyu Travel DMC Japan joined the inaugural GTM Luxury Asia Pacific in anticipation of quality connections with luxury travel advisors.
A clear favourite among global suppliers at the show was GTM Luxury Asia Pacific’s targeted format and the quality of advisor engagement.
“Hankyu Travel DMC Japan participated in anticipation of connecting with luxury travel advisors at GTM Luxury APAC who align with our offerings. Having attended global shows in Europe, the United States and Asia, this event has been very positive. We will certainly return next year,” affirmed Tetsuo Nakayama, director and executive officer, Hankyu Travel International.
Travel advisors also highlighted the relevance of the event and the opportunities it created for the luxury travel trade.
Maria Angelina “Shan” David, President & CEO of the Philippines-based CITTI Elite, Inc., highlighted interest in exclusive products not typically available through standard channels.
Timothy Minardi, VP, AVIATOUR, Indonesia, noted that luxury today is increasingly defined by timing, dedication and how well clients are taken care of from start to finish. He added that GTM Luxury APAC stood out for its strong curation of both suppliers and travel advisors, with particular interest in distinctive experiences that resonate with high-end clients.
Leo Zheng, founder of Bridge, China – also a speaker at one of the event’s panel sessions – described the inaugural GTM Luxury APAC as an excellent start and expressed confidence in its continued growth.