My first ILTM Asia Pacific Experience: A journey beyond expectations

Written by Luke Jones

Travel Advisor at 1000 Mile Travel Group

Discovering ILTM Asia Pacific in Singapore

This year marked my first time attending ILTM Asia Pacific, the region’s most prestigious luxury travel event, held in the vibrant Marina Bay district of Singapore. From June 30 to July 3, the event brought together leading travel advisors and luxury travel suppliers from 22 countries.

Going in, I expected fast-paced supplier meetings and plenty of handshakes. What I didn’t expect was how profoundly this experience would reshape my view of luxury travel and the global community behind it.

Beyond the meetings: Building real connections

Yes, ILTM is known for its curated, pre-scheduled appointments—and they were fantastic. But it was the unscheduled moments that really stood out.

Whether it was an elegant lunch, a rooftop cocktail hour, or a casual chat over coffee between sessions, these shared experiences were where genuine connections happened. The kind of relationships that will last far beyond the expo floor.

• Pro Tip for First-Time Attendees: Make space in your schedule for the unofficial moments—they’re often the most impactful.

Immersive supplier experiences

What truly impressed me was the creativity and attention to detail from suppliers. The exhibition booths went above and beyond:

• Some resembled luxury hotel lobbies

• Others recreated onboard cruise experiences

• Many featured hospitality stations with coffee, cocktails, and even egg and caviar sandwiches

The General Managers and senior staff were there in person, making every interaction personal, memorable, and meaningful.

The rhythm of ILTM: Energizing and exhausting (In the best way)

There’s a unique energy to ILTM. Each day is packed with high-intensity meetings, but somehow, by the final afternoon, the energy peaks. Everyone makes the most of the last few hours, squeezing in just one more handshake, one more idea, one more opportunity.

It’s an adrenaline rush like no other—and one that leaves you both exhausted and completely exhilarated.

What I took away

Attending ILTM Asia Pacific opened my eyes to the global luxury travel landscape and reinforced one major truth: Face-to-face connection is irreplaceable.

Especially in a relationship-driven industry like ours, in-person events foster trust, build loyalty, and spark the kind of creativity that drives real business growth.

I left Singapore with:

• A renewed passion for luxury travel
• A broader understanding of Asia Pacific markets
• A stack of new relationships I can’t wait to build on

My final thoughts

If you’re considering attending ILTM, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s more than a trade event—it’s a masterclass in connection, inspiration, and possibility.

I’m already looking forward to the next one, armed with experience, enthusiasm, and a deeper commitment to helping my clients explore the world in style.