Travel And Leisure | "Luxury Travel reaches new levels of responsibility at ILTM Asia 2012"

By: Ozgur Tore   
Category: Travel And Leisure
Source: http://www.execdigital.com

The increasing demand for a high-end travel product that restores confidence to responsible luxury travellers has prompted a surge of representation at the world’s most important event for luxury travel professionals in Asia.

Taking place in Shanghai, 4 – 7 June ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) Asia profiles the very best the world of luxury travel can offer for the benefit of luxury travel buyers from across the diverse Asia Pacific region.

Affluent travellers from across the Asia Pacific are seeking new horizons, new experiences and unforgettable memories. Increasingly, from Japan to Australia, China to India, Korea to Thailand, luxury travellers also seek a reassurance that their trips are responsible, caring for local communities and culture as well as wildlife conservation and the environment.  

Alison Gilmore, Exhibition Director of ILTM Asia commented, “Luxury suppliers invited to take part in ILTM Asia are committed to their natural environments, be they marine conservation programmes in Borneo or Cambodia, heritage resorts in the Australian outback, wildlife excursions in South Africa, exploration trips to the North Pole or local community projects in India or Thailand. Luxury travellers look to learn from and contribute to their leisure trips and ILTM Asia is delighted to present a range of the very best of environmentally responsible tourism for the benefit of agents from across the diverse Asia-Pacific region.”

Such high-end suppliers taking part in ILTM Asia 2012 include once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to voyage to the North Pole and the Russian Arctic with Poseidon Arctic Voyages. Working to ensure the continent and its wildlife are protected and not eroded by increased visitor activity, Poseidon also welcoming naturalists and scientists on board to conduct investigative research of this ever-changing Arctic land mass.

Located on a coral reef island off the coast of Borneo, Gayana Eco Resort is designed to indulge all the senses. Its overwater villas enhance the sounds of the sea below and each are positioned to capture the views of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon. Taking part in ILTM Asia 2012 for the first time, Gayana is the only property in the world with an on-site Marine Ecology Research Centre for guests to take part in marine ecology programmes such as re-introducing baby clams into the wild and restoring natural coral reefs.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas have pioneered luxury travel experiences that also benefit the environment and local communities for many years and ILTM Asia 2012 will profile their '365 days of good deeds' sustainability programme. From rescuing street elephants in Thailand, protecting marine turtles in Phuket, supporting local farmers in Indonesia or even coral rejuvenation in the Maldives, with at least one good deed taking place every day of 2012, the indigenous surroundings and experiences that Anantara's exotic resorts offer are a compelling reason for luxury travellers to want to help preserve them forever.

The compelling beauty of Australia attracts an ecologically sensitive traveller. Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in New South Wales boasts a carbon neutral certificate and is committed to actively protecting its surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife species. Activities range from the established - horse riding, guided walks, fly- fishing, golf, regional food & wine tours - to the specialised: botany, bird watching and wildlife tours.

With a range of geographical locations designed to give Asia Pacific luxury travellers an insight into cultures, communities and environmentally sensitive properties across the world, discerning travel agents should visit www.iltm.net/asia to find out more.

 

Source: http://ftnnews.com/mice/16511-luxury-travel-reaches-new-levels-of-responsibility-at-iltm-asia-2012.html