TravelManagers’ Julia McLean and seven personal travel managers were in Cannes during early December to attend ILTM Cannes 2025, one of the world’s biggest luxury travel expos.
Over four days, the group attended dozens of pre-booked meetings with luxury-focused destination management companies (DMCs), hoteliers and hotel groups, and continued their networking activities at the lunch and evening functions.
For Queensland-based PTM Kerstin Rheinlander, the Cannes event was her second ILTM experience, having previously attended ILTM Singapore.
“I’m happy to confirm what everyone says, ILTM Cannes really is the steroid-enhanced version of ILTM Singapore,” Rheinlander said.
“The exhibitors genuinely blew me away, not just in terms of creativity and expertise, but with the attention to detail on display, it’s certainly a whole different calibre of networking and connection. From one-on-one appointments to the lunches, dinners and social events, there were so many great opportunities to connect with suppliers. I have made so many great contacts all over Europe, which will enable me to provide my clients with insider information and local connections.”
Fostering relationships
Rheinlander was joined by six of her fellow PTMs, including Victoria-based Claire Crosby and Emma Lucas, as well as NSW-based Danielle Goncalves.
“Fostering relationships with suppliers is key to our success and ILTM Cannes provided an incredible setting for me to create connections and build my business,” Crosby confirms.
“ILTM Cannes delivers a priceless environment for meaningful engagement, professional growth, and continued success within the luxury travel sector,” Lucas added.
“From global luxury brands to incredible boutique properties around the world, my experience at ILTM Cannes has ensured that I am well informed to think outside the box when a client is looking for a unique destination or experience,” Goncalves said. “What’s more, these connections will come in handy when it comes to adding a personal touch to a client’s stay.”
“Aside from the valuable relationships established with luxury suppliers from around the world, the group also found the time spent with together with TravelManagers colleagues extremely worthwhile,” McLean said.
“Despite the hectic pace, they found time to share product knowledge and insights into how they run their businesses. Events such as ILTM Cannes play a vital role in supporting our personal travel managers to remain at the forefront of the luxury travel market. The depth of relationships formed at this event directly translates into richer, more personalised experiences for clients.”
