At Gifted Travel Network (GTN), our dedication to crafting exceptional experiences and nurturing invaluable partnerships is something we truly treasure. This year, our strong alliance with luxury event company International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) allowed us to send a greater number of our travel advisors to ILTM North America, held in Nassau, Bahamas. For many, it was their first venture into this prestigious event. They're excited to share the insights and experiences they've brought back. Let's explore the reflections and revelations from our first-time attendees at this remarkable gathering.
What is one experience that stood out to you at ILTM North America?
Nancy Gany, Inspired Steps Luxury Travel:
Overall, the quality of the travel partners and the fairly high percentage of matched partners with those I requested stood out. I also had the opportunity to do a mini-site visit at the Four Seasons Ocean Club on Paradise Island, about 20 minutes from Baha Mar. This was an excellent opportunity to meet the Senior Sales Manager, Stefanie Peters, with whom I'd been speaking because I'd just received a client inquiry for a stay in November. I have a client who is very interested in the property. It was great to meet Stefani in person and valuable to see how beautiful this property is.
Erin Smith, Cultivating Connections Travel Planners:
The "wrap-up" party on the last evening, which included fire dancers, aerialists, and fireworks, was a lot of fun!
Dianna Hetzel, Mer Bleue:
The partner meetings! I loved how the meeting rooms and areas were arranged. Grouping the partners as they did allowed for better networking opportunities and brand awareness. It wasn't one meeting that stood out, but rather how much more productive these events are overall as I enter year three of my business. It's so exciting to have a much clearer understanding of where and with which partners I need to build connections and background knowledge.
Tell me about one partner meeting that stood out to you this year and why?
Richard Rowland, Amore Travel Designs:
Jumeirah had a wonderful energy and excitement in their product. New openings such as Capri and London make it easier to introduce our clients to this luxury brand.
Nancy Gany, Inspired Steps Luxury Travel:
"Asaba Ryokan" a Relais & Chateaux property. Ryokans are Japanese-style inns found throughout the countryside, especially in hot spring resort areas. Asaba is a small family-run property (for 500+ years!) that has maintained the tradition of Noh theater with on-site performances. I met one of the grandsons (only 17 years old) and Yukiko, a lovely female Sales representative. I explained how I have clients who will be visiting Japan next May and they have asked for an authentic ryokan experience. Later that same day, Yukiko emailed me information on the property and a quote for my client's dates of stay!
Erin Smith, Cultivating Connections Travel Planners:
One meeting that truly stood out was with Christian Molnar from Sacher Hotels. From the moment we sat down, he made it an unforgettable experience—starting with a flute of champagne and wearing a bellman's uniform to set the tone. He even took a Polaroid of us, placed it in a charming little frame, and brought mini Sacher tortes to complete the experience! His engaging approach made learning about the three Sacher properties so much more memorable and enjoyable compared to other meetings. It was a perfect blend of hospitality, charm, and creativity.
Kim Esté Campbell, Besté Travel Design:
I had three partner meetings that especially stood out to me, all involving special interest groups that I am working with. Alejandra from Palace Resorts was thrilled to find out that I was working on sending a pickleball group to Moon Palace Cancun, and encouraged me to work directly with her. I met Matais from Designer Trips Argentina, and after speaking with him and learning about his love of all things gastronomy, I realized he is the perfect partner for my wine group that wants to travel to Argentina. Finally, while I have already sent several clients to Dromoland Castle, meeting with Marie helped me decide that it would be a fantastic property for one of several mahjong group trips that I am currently planning. I'm looking forward to working with her on this.
Why is it important for you as a luxury travel advisor to attend ILTM North America?
Erin Smith, Cultivating Connections Travel Planners:
It strengthens my ability to offer my clients personalized and high-end travel experiences. I connected directly with top luxury travel suppliers, including boutique hotels, unique experiences, and small ship cruises that align with my niche, allowing me to discover new and exclusive offerings for my clients. Face-to-face meetings with hoteliers, tour operators, and destination experts help me cultivate relationships that can lead to enhanced perks, upgrades, and tailored experiences, making my services even more valuable. Plus, engaging with other top luxury travel advisors allows us to exchange ideas, strategies, and knowledge, which can help us further refine our approach and better serve our clients.
Susan Moore, Moore Memorable Travel:
It's all about relationships, and meeting all of these representatives from hotels, DMCs, and tourism boards helps build those relationships face-to-face, which makes a huge difference. It was also great to meet other GTN folks in person, and it will have such a positive impact on my business.
Kim Esté Campbell, Besté Travel Design:
Attending ILTM North America truly changed my way of thinking about luxury travel. I am still a relatively new travel advisor, and I have not had the opportunity to visit many luxury properties myself. By having the opportunity to have one-on-one dedicated appointments, I could really get to "know" the suppliers' products, and I feel more comfortable offering them to my clients.
Dianna Hetzel, Mer Bleue:
ILTM is an excellent opportunity to connect with partners I am selling and areas I want to know more about. Unique, lesser-known partners in niche areas are often eager to meet with us as well. Getting out of our Zoom boxes and meeting in person is essential. This is a way to connect with partners and colleagues without traveling to 50 different hotels/destinations.
How did attending this event as a member of Gifted Travel Network make a difference for you?
Richard Rowland, Amore Travel Designs:
Everyone has heard of Gifted Travel Network as a host agency, less so our individual agencies unless we are well-known to a supplier. This gives us an extra level of respect from suppliers we have not talked to before.
Erin Smith, Cultivating Connections Travel Planners:
Attending this event as a member of GTN made a significant difference for me. Having the opportunity to network with several GTN colleagues in person was invaluable, as we could share insights and strategies in real-time. I also heard repeatedly from partners and attendees that GTN was "there in force," which reinforced just how highly regarded the organization is in the industry. Being affiliated with such a respected and influential network strengthens my credibility and opens doors to exclusive opportunities and partnerships that enhance the services I can offer my clients.
Dianna Hetzel, Mer Bleue:
I'm so thankful to be part of a host agency that supports my efforts to build connections and industry knowledge. I always feel encouraged, supported, and prepared for building my business and brand.
What is one specific piece of advice would you give someone who is attending next year, based on your experience at ILTM North America 2024?
Richard Rowland, Amore Travel Designs:
This is the ultimate platform for networking with the top luxury brands in the space. Relationships can either be started or maintained at this event, and doing both is extremely valuable. Be open to appointments you didn't select and may even perceive you don't want or need. I learned so much by being open to these new experiences and destinations. Sign up early to get exposed to as many invites and events as possible. Take advantage of suppliers' lunches and dinners to deepen relationships (and ensure you are fed).
Nancy Gany, Inspired Steps Luxury Travel:
Plan for very little time to do client work. The days are packed and VERY busy, especially if you are invited (and accept) opportunities to network for breakfast, lunch, post-conference cocktails, dinners, and post-dinner drinks. If I'm fortunate enough to attend again, I'll consider adding a personal day, either pre- or post, as I had no time to enjoy the beautiful resort.
Erin Smith, Cultivating Connections Travel Planners:
One piece of advice I'd give to someone attending ILTM North America next year is to prioritize relationship-building over simply collecting information. While gathering details about luxury travel products and destinations is important, the real value comes from forging meaningful connections with suppliers and other advisors. Focus on quality over quantity in your meetings—take the time to ask thoughtful questions, show genuine interest, and follow up after the event. Those personal connections will open doors to exclusive perks, upgrades, and unique experiences you can pass on to your clients. Oh, and take a cardigan.
Dianna Hetzel, Mer Bleue:
Pay attention to the brands represented because the partners are grouped according to their affiliations or destinations. If I had known this, I would have been more strategic in choosing my meetings. For example, I would have met with all the properties and DMCs in Ireland as well as the tourism board to maximize my networking and knowledge of Ireland.
Susan Moore, Moore Memorable Travel:
If you do not get an appointment with someone you really want to meet with, try to get in touch with them to see if you can meet them for coffee or lunch.
Kim Esté Campbell, Besté Travel Design:
Don't accept every invitation offered to you in advance! If your dance card is full, you won't have time to accept invitations from suppliers you meet at ILTM with whom you'd like to spend more time. There is plenty going on at all times. Don't worry about developing any FOMO!
