International tourist arrivals surpassed 1 billion people for the first time in 2012 and emerging economies continue to lead the growth in demand for luxury tourism. With Brazilian expenditure on travel abroad reaching US$22 billion and the number of those traveling from Argentina increasing by over 10% in 2012, a guest list of luxury travel suppliers from all four corners of the world will meet at ILTM Americas (September 30–October 3) in Riviera Maya, Mexico, to inspire luxury travel buyers from across the Americas.

Simon Mayle, ILTM Head of Marketing commented: “ILTM Americas has already confirmed a diverse array of exhibitors: new contemporary experiences as well as well-known brands to ensure our invited buyers find exactly what they want to define the future of the region’s outbound luxury travel through their client’s eyes.”

History, art, and tradition are evident in the products already confirmed for this second edition of ILTM Americas. Paradores, Spain, will feature the Royal Hospital in Santiago - established in 1499 as a hospital for visiting pilgrims, it is considered the oldest hotel in the world and also one of its most luxurious and beautiful. At the other end of the scale, EDITION hotels – Ian Schrager’s new design-led, globally-branded lifestyle hotels will also debut at ILTM Americas, as will NOI Hotels in Easter Island&Chile, and Delfin Amazon Cruises. Also exhibiting are Aman Resorts, Orient-Express, and Cuba Real Tours. Over 40 countries around the world will be represented including destinations such as Africa, Australia, and Bali, as well as city destinations such as Barcelona, London, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and New York.

As one of the exhibitors who attended the launch edition last year, Alvaro Valeriani, Director of Sales&Marketing, Hyatt of Latin America, summed up the exhibitor experience: “It was an honor to participate at ILTM Americas - the most exquisite group of suppliers and buyers together creating perfect networking experiences. ILTM Americas fills a niche that the regional market really needs.”

ILTM Americas will host up to 69 pre-scheduled appointments between each buyer and supplier, as well as a detailed program of social networking activities. Business appointments are pre-scheduled, matching mutual requests from buyers and exhibitors alike to meet on a strict one-to-one ratio to build relationships and business communities.