SHANGHAI The third annual Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM) took place in Shanghai from June 15 to 17 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

The tradeshow attracted 300 luxury travel buyers from 19 countries and 280 exhibitors from 36 countries – 30 per cent of which were exhibiting for the first time. More than 12,000 face-to-face appointments took place during the three-day event.

“ALTM 09 has been a great success and we have received very positive feedback from the attending exhibitors and buyers,” said Debbie Joslin, group exhibition director, ALTM. “It is now clearly established as a ‘must’ for key players in the luxury travel industry who are targeting the important and still growing Asian markets.”

Destinations participating for the first time included Oman Ministry of Tourism and Industry and Switzerland Tourism, joining returning delegations from the Government of Dubai, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

Shekar Niyogi, executive director, Travelcorp, said: “This is my first year at ALTM and the quality of exhibitors was excellent. Everyone I met was extremely professional and really understood the needs of the luxury travel buyer.”

The official ALTM opening party took place on the second night at Shanghai nightspot M1NT. Exhibitors also hosted private networking parties during the show.

ALTM is organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, who also organise sister event, International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), now in its eighth year in Cannes, France.

ALTM 2010 will be held in Shanghai from June 14 to 17.

Visit www.altm.com.cn for further information