EDITOR'S LETTER:

Today, Chinese travellers account for around 20 per cent of global tourism spend. Every day the world watches as China’s outbound travel market continues to expand, as luxury travel companies vie for a slice of the piece. But as well as looking to tap into the lucrative segment, smart companies are also trying to understand it better. Hotels are also trying to gain a clearer understanding of the needs these guests as one of the most important areas of business for the next decade, as luxury hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the region report a surge in interest from Chinese guests.

With that in mind, the second ILTM China show in Shanghai is an annual platform that provides global exhibitors the chance to meet with and learn from the luxury travel designers who represent China’s most affluent travellers. Destinations of the World News took part in ILTM China 2019 and produced our first ever Chinese-language publication, in order to showcase some of the best accommodation the UAE has to offer. We also shared some of the latest luxury travel news from the ILTM China exhibitors and heard insights from industry experts on why the exhibition is more important than ever.

Above all, ILTM China 2019 presents us with an opportunity to meet the luxury travel planners shaping the future of China’s outbound luxury sector, those who influence decision-making on selecting the next destination for their clients and those who know exactly what their clients want and need from high-end travel experiences in 2020.

We hope this ILTM China Special is both informative and insightful. See you at the next show.