This year’s International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) will welcome an exclusive guest of honour: founder of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Isadore Sharp who will take part in a live interview on stage during the renowned ILTM Ultratravel Forum on Monday 5 December. The Ultratravel Forum launches ILTM 2011 – the annual, elite ‘invitation-only’ event for the world of luxury travel, taking place from 5 – 8 December in Cannes.

Debbie Joslin, ILTM Exhibition Director commented: “We are honoured to welcome the founder of one of the most luxurious hotel brands in the world - Isadore Sharp at ILTM 2011. Four Seasons’ values are synonymous with luxury and Mr Sharp has been integral in redefining the high-end experience for modern travellers throughout the last 50 years.”

This year, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts celebrates its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 84 properties in 35 countries, and more than 40 projects under development. Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding.

Mr Sharp commented: “The reason for our success is no secret. It comes down to one single principle that transcends time and geography, religion and culture. It’s the Golden Rule – the simple idea that if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same.”

Graham Boynton, Group Travel Editor of the UK’s Telegraph Media Group will conduct the interview with Mr Sharp, eliciting his views on how and why Four Seasons has been successful for such a long period of time and recognising that Four Seasons has never relied on a reputation for luxury. Mr Boynton will also question Four Seasons’ commitment to its future customers and specifically the brand’s commitment to support sustainability by planting 10 million trees.

The ILTM Ultratravel Forum will also reveal updated research on the future of luxury travel, leading on from the findings of ILTM’s global research project ‘The Future of Luxury Travel – A Global Trends Report’, first delivered at ILTM Asia in June 2011.

The ILTM Ultratravel Forum takes place on Monday 5 December from 5 - 7pm at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes.