THE Asia Premium Travel Mart will fill a gap in the Asia-Pacific luxury travel sector when it debuts as South-east Asia’s first tradeshow dedicated to the high life.
The B2B tradeshow will be held May 26-28 at SMX Manila, bringing together Philippine luxury inbound and outbound travel professionals to showcase the Philippines as a luxury destination and spotlight Asian luxury.
Organisers are S8 Exhibitions, Corporate International Travel & Tours, Light Miles Travel, Celebrate Life Travel & Leisure, Luxus Pacific and Rajah Tours.
“The only show focused on luxury closest to the South-east Asian region is ILTM Shanghai, which doesn’t sell too much of Asia,” said Simon Ang, S8 Exhibitions’ corporate secretary.
The show targets 150 to 200 exhibitors with major representation from Asia-Pacific (50 per cent), and a decent showing from Europe (30 per cent) plus the Americas and the Middle East (20 per cent).
Some 60 business meetings with pre-qualified buyers are expected over the three-day show, which will also have a Department of Tourism (DoT)-hosted opening event and a closing gala featuring world-renowned Filipino performer Lea Salonga.
Shan David, president, S8 Exhibitions, said post-fam programmes would take buyers to Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Palawan and Laoag-Vigan.
“Even if the north doesn’t have many luxury accommodation, we will make it a luxury experience for our buyers; we have three UNESCO sites, so the culture and heritage experience is there. We also know some buyers may not want to see beach destinations (only),” David added.
The tradeshow is anticipated to become an annual event.
Verna Buensuceso, officer in charge, market development group, DoT said: “This show ties in very well with the direction the DoT is going, as the It’s more fun in the Philippinescampaign moves toward the promotion of premium destinations.”
