The Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) Luxury Asia Pacific, launched by Northstar Travel Group, has had a successful debut in Singapore at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
The invitation-only event, held from 14-15 April, brought together the region’s luxury travel advisors with a curated selection of global suppliers.
Supplier diaries were filled over the two-day event, with sustained interest in focused, in-market business exchange within the luxury travel sector.
“Asia Pacific continues to play an important role in the luxury travel sector,” Northstar Travel Group president and chief commercial officer Robert G. Sullivan said. “The level of travel advisor interest and the calibre of suppliers at this inaugural edition underline the region’s position in the luxury travel market.”
The show is an extension of the GTM portfolio, which brought its proven pre-scheduled appointment model to the region for the first time. Prioritising meaningful, results-driven business connections, the tightly curated format paired top travel advisors with global suppliers in luxury hospitality, destination management, and experiential travel.
“GTM Luxury Asia Pacific was created to bring together Asia Pacific travel advisors and international partners in a focused setting for business exchange and discussions across the region,” Northstar Travel Group vice president and group publisher for Asia Irene Chua said. “It was complemented by programme elements such as pre-scheduled appointments, experiential tours and networking sessions.”
“Hankyu Travel DMC Japan participated in anticipation of connecting with luxury travel advisors at GTM Luxury APAC who align with our offerings,” Hankyu Travel International director and executive officer Tetsuo Nakayama said. “Having attended global shows in Europe, the United States and Asia, this event has been very positive, and we look forward to building on the connections made here. We will certainly return next year.”
Travel advisors also highlighted the relevance of the event and the opportunities it created for the luxury travel trade. AVIATOUR Indonesia vice president Timothy Minardi noted that luxury today is increasingly defined by timing, dedication and how well clients are taken care of from start to finish. He added that GTM Luxury APAC stood out for its strong curation of both suppliers and travel advisors, with particular interest in distinctive experiences that resonate with high-end clients.
Bridge, China founder Leo Zheng observed that mainland Chinese travellers are increasingly seeking experiential journeys that feel unique, immersive and worthwhile. He also described the inaugural GTM Luxury APAC as an excellent start and expressed confidence in its continued growth.
Philippines-based CITTI Elite Inc. president and CEO Maria Angelina “Shan” David highlighted interest in exclusive products not typically available through standard channels, reflecting the value of GTM Luxury APAC in surfacing distinctive offerings for advisors and their clients.
As Asia Pacific continues to drive growth in luxury travel, GTM Luxury Asia Pacific sits within a broader shift, where influence, innovation and opportunity in global luxury travel are increasingly centred.
