The 23rd edition of ILTM Cannes, the world’s leading luxury travel event took place December 2-5 , 2024, marking the largest edition of the event to date and set a new record with over 85,000 scheduled meetings.
Luxury travel brands, experiences, destinations, and suppliers enjoyed a week of building and strengthening connections with international travel planners, curators and agencies marking the fact that the luxury travel industry is booming. Over 2,350 buyers from 84 countries – 30 percent new to the event – met with over 2,350 brands from 105 countries, alongside an extensive programme of networking events.
The global flagship event for the ILTM Portfolio began with an Opening Forum on Monday 2 December, addressing an audience of more than 3,000 and featuring three inspirational presentations for the global luxury travel community. Merryn Somerset Webb, senior columnist for Bloomberg Opinion and host of the Merryn Talks Money podcast, voiced optimism around the upcoming largest transfer of wealth from the baby boomers. Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, expressed a need to return to less high-tech hotel services. And TJ Abrams, VP of global well-being at Hyatt, and Alison Gilmore, Portfolio Director ILTM, unveiled a new wellness research conducted by Altiant, in partnership with Hyatt and ILTM. The survey of 800 people across global markets revealed that “health is the new wealth,” with 74 percent of travellers integrating wellness into their routines.
ILTM welcomed some new dedicated areas: a dedicated Accor “Grand Pavilion” on the Palais beach, a new Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) hospitality terrace, Belmond had journey through an experimental pavilion, a new CannesX lifestyle brand bar on the ground floor. Other newcomers included the tourism boards of Australia, Egypt and Mauritius and destinations increasing their presence significantly included California, Brazil, Oman, Japan and Croatia. Luxury travel brands significantly increasing their footprint at ILTM 2024 including Accor (within their beachfront new pavilion), Hilton Luxury brands, Hyatt Hotels, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Leading Hotels of the World, Preferred and Marriott International Luxury brands.
ILTM Cannes also hosted over 100 of the world’s most influential travel editors from publications and platforms that are the voice of luxury travel to their high-net-worth readers and communities around the world. Exhibitors had the opportunity to meet them through speed networking, press conferences and one-to-one meetings organised over the course of the week.
Luxury travel advisors and exhibitors alike were passionate in their praise of ILTM Cannes in supporting their business goals:
Vanessa McGovern, from Gifted Travel Network commented: “ILTM 2024 had a vibrancy unlike any previous year. Our attending advisors have already shared that these interactions have led to new opportunities and direct business during the show. ILTM 2024 offered the perfect blend of connection, inspiration, and collaboration. I walked away not just with new insights, but with actionable ideas to elevate my business and contribute to the growth of our industry.”
Kelly Gelfand, TRIBE Travel Australia added: “Amazing to see so many small boutique properties so passionate about their products. The depth and breadth here is phenomenal and the access to such high-level partners is unmatchable at any other show. The scheduling allows for meaningful appointments, but also flexibility to make quick connections.”
From an exhibitor perspective, Andrew Boxall of Tourism Australia said: “The luxury market is so important to Australian tourism, and we have so much to offer that’s truly unique. ILTM is crucial for us – it’s not just about showcasing what we have to offer but also about being part of this vibrant community.”
Ian Di Tullio of Minor Hotels International commented: “ILTM is the premier luxury show in the world, which makes it our top priority event worldwide and one we cannot miss. It’s an opportunity to showcase our brand and influence the direction of luxury across the industry, particularly around experiential and transformational travel.”
Maria Luz Marín of Meliá Hotels International added: “ILTM continually proves the power of face-to-face connections in the luxury travel industry. The personal interactions here are essential to fostering meaningful relationships and creating opportunities. Every year, ILTM exceeds our expectations, reaffirming why it’s such a vital investment for our business.”
ILTM Cannes returns December 1 – 4 , 2025. Other ILTM event dates next year include:
ILTM Latin America, Sao Paulo: 5 – 8 May 2025
ILTM Asia Pacific, Singapore: 30 June – 3 July 2025
ILTM North America, Baha Mar, Bahamas: 6 – 9 October 2025
