Why the UK’s best travel advisors attend ILTM – and how you can be one of them

ILTM can be a valuable investment for many in the sector and is a must-attend on many luxury travel planners’ calendars – we find out why from a few of them. 

Farida Raji, founder and director, Sentima 

Sentima was established in 2020 and is a luxury concierge based in the UK, and part of Global Travel Collection UK.

What does attending ILTM Cannes mean to your business?

Anyone who is serious about their business in luxury travel should attend ILTM. It’s the number one place to network and meet new suppliers, discover new products, connect with existing suppliers and strengthen those relationships. The event has helped me grow my business, through forming new relationships and gathering more knowledge. I have been better able to match products to the right clients and therefore greatly improved customer satisfaction and repeat clients.

There are so many industry events that specialise in different areas, but I feel that ILTM is one of biggest and most prestigious. It is a key event, incorporating product training, networking, and tools for growing my business all in one place. I try to make sure I am seeing new exhibitors and tailor my schedule based on what my clients are asking for. 

What advice would you give to first timers?

Ensure you manage your workload! ILTM is a full-on event, with a lot of back-to-back appointments, and I also often find myself maximising my lunch break and evenings by networking. Be open not only to meeting new suppliers, but also other travel advisors. Being newer to the industry, I’ve found it useful to learn from others and how they conduct their business and get motivated by these meetings.

What’s your favourite memory of ILTM Cannes?

All the networking events are so unique, for example, conducting business meetings on a private yacht. It’s something out of the ordinary compared to an average working day and feels rather special.

Mary Steadman, co-founder & director of partner relations, Lura Lifestyle Management

Mary has 25 years’ experience in the luxury service industry and over 30 in the customer service industry, and co-owns Lura Lifestyle Management, a members-only bespoke luxury lifestyle company. 

Why do you attend?

I have been attending for nine years and continue to come back for several reasons. Firstly, the quality of the suppliers and the people you meet with, from hotel owners and GMs to directors of sales, business development directors and the senior leaders of the luxury travel industry, who are all there to connect and collaborate.

Secondly, the networking opportunities that enable me to establish valuable connections for our business and foster existing relationships; there is something so special about hugging a friend and someone I have done business with in the last year. I also love to meet face-to-face with new suppliers and evaluate their offerings, which helps me curate exceptional travel experiences for my clients.

Lastly, I also value the show as I can showcase Lura Lifestyle – ILTM provides an opportunity for brand visibility by educating suppliers and buyers on who we are and how we can collaborate. 

How do you choose your personal calendar of meetings?

I review what bookings we have and what destinations might be popular for our client base. I also review our supplier list and anywhere I feel we need to grow or strengthen our relationships, I request meetings in these locations. You receive a list of all suppliers, which means you can reach out and have breakfast, lunch or a catch-up throughout the week of the show too.

What’s your favourite memory of ILTM Cannes?

One of my favourites was meeting Sir Rocco Forte – I was able to thank him for the beautiful hotels he has curated and the teams he has built, but also hear about his vision and plans for future hotels. Truly inspirational!

Mark Smith, head of business development, Simplexity Travel

London-based Simplexity Travel was launched in 2011 and offers corporate travel services to businesses of all sizes, as well as individuals from the worlds of sport, music, fashion, film and TV, and bespoke holidays for a range of private clients.

What does attending ILTM Cannes mean to your business?

It is an invaluable opportunity to forge new relationships and cement existing bonds. It is also particularly useful to have the best in class – from accommodation providers to tourist boards – under one roof. We particularly enjoy finding golden nuggets in the shape of new properties or suppliers; we always make a beeline for the third floor, which is home to brands pivotal to our client base such as Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Relais & Chateaux.

Our priority is to meet with exhibitors outside of the UK. As a rule, these tend to be boutique and experiential brands rather than the larger chains. That said, if someone requests to meet with us, we will always be delighted to do so. If we had not routinely attended this event, we would definitely have missed out on forging some exceptional relationships.

How long have you been going? 

I first attended with Simplexity Travel in 2012. ILTM Cannes is really the “end of the year show” and is an invaluable opportunity for us luxury travel professionals to see first-hand what’s happening in the industry and to do some serious networking. The organisation is first class too, meaning that the creme de la creme of the industry is under one roof, so we don’t waste time talking to brands that we know are not relevant to our clients. 

What advice would you give to first time attendees?

Do as much pre-planning as possible so you have a clear understanding of who you want to meet and when. Drink plenty of water – and wear comfortable shoes!

What next? 

The deadline to apply to attend ILTM Cannes 2023 is Friday 6 October and agents who would like to apply should contact the team via iltmteam@rxglobal.com.