Luxury Travel Special: Trends toward family, 'authentic' tourism

The eighth edition of International Luxury Travel Market Asia will open in Shanghai on June 2 and last four days, setting the scene for up to 550 high-end travel agents from across Asia to design next year's itineraries for their clients.

With family travel an important growth area for luxury travel, ILTM Asia's guest list of elite exhibitors is set to offer creative itineraries in family travel to meet the regional demand, organizers said.

The trail-blazing hotel family travel innovations at the upcoming ILTM Asia will include:

The Peninsula

It recently re-launched The Peninsula Academy, which offers exclusive experiences and programs in cultural discovery tailored for each destination. Children may enjoy sessions including Chinese kite making in Shanghai, art classes in Bangkok and origami in Tokyo.

The Ritz-Carlton

It has introduced a new, exclusive Ritz Kids children's program, which aims to make memories that last well beyond younger guests' hotel stays.

The program incorporates both physical and creative activities, and engages children to explore the world around them. It is based around the four pillars of water, land, environmental responsibility and culture.

Orient Express

It now welcomes younger guests with activities and a dedicated concierge program. Its "Mini Mayans in Mexico" offers snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and learning to speak Spanish, while in Italy, six properties offer activities such as kid-friendly tours of Florence to rafting down the Arno River.

"Luxury family travel is truly expanding its horizons, combining education with entertainment, embracing teenagers as well as children, authenticity as well as adventure and ultimately creating memories for all ages," said Alison Gilmore, ILTM's Senior exhibition director.

"ILTM Asia 2014 is a one-stop solution to help our discerning buyers from across Asia create authentic memories for their high net worth family clients."

International departures from Asia are forecast to grow by 9 percent in 2014, with the Chinese market expected to expand by around 18 percent.

At ILTM Asia 2014, up to 550 buyers from some 20 countries across Asia will have the opportunity to meet with high-end, authentic products and services from around the world. They can explore new options and opportunities in luxury travel experiences - from family travel, cruises and gastronomy to adventure and private transportation.

With some 550 international luxury travel suppliers expected to meet with the invited elite buyers and agents, the four-day event will host more than 26,000 pre-scheduled meetings.

ILTM Asia is the ultimate opportunity to explore the newest creative solutions in luxury travel to build business communities, organizers said.

For further information, please visit www.iltm.net/asia

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 03/28/2014 page10)