Japan is a key emerging destination for discerning travellers and for the first time, Japanese companies will be exhibiting at ILTM - International Luxury Travel Market - in Cannes this December, reflecting a trend of wider growth in the niche sector of luxury travel right across Asia, The Indian Ocean and the Caribbean.

Over thirty companies worldwide have already signed up to exhibit for the first time at ILTM 2007, and exhibition space is close to 90% sold out. New partners from the fast-growing Asia region include; The Ryokan Collection, Japan National Tourism Organisation, The Japan Luxury Consortium, Trails of IndoChina and Greaves Tours. To further strengthen the Japanese presence, The Japan Luxury Consortium and Japanese Government have secured sponsorship of ILTM's prestigious opening party. Director of The Japan Luxury Travel Consortium and President of The Ryokan Collection, Hiroki Fukunaga feels that with its unique culture, well-developed high end product and excellent infrastructure, Japan is well positioned to enter the luxury travel market and that ILTM is the perfect platform.

"Japan's rich history and cultural heritage, range of stylish hotels, exclusive guest houses and high-end traditional restaurants combine to produce an ideal product offering to meet and exceed the needs of luxury travellers worldwide," comments Mr Fukunaga. "The Japanese Luxury Travel Consortium believes that ILTM is the ideal stage to deliver our strong message of Japanese luxury to the world's elite travel trade."

Now in its sixth year, and firmly established as the world's leading business to business event for the luxury travel industry, ILTM reflects the global growth of High Net Worth Individuals (individuals holding over $1 million in assets), which has now topped nine million globally.

ILTM's New Business Manager Ryan Wallace is delighted at such growth in the Asian luxury travel sector and advises the industry should prepare itself for further developments, with Japan being at the forefront. He states, "Japan has an impressive reputation as an innovative country, and is already the worlds leading consumer of luxury goods.  Developing its luxury travel offering is a natural progression, and we're pleased to be working closely with them at ILTM this year."

Mr Wallace adds, "We are particularly excited to welcome two of our Japanese exhibitors as co-hosts of ILTM's most prestigious entertainment event. To bring unique, traditional Japanese performers to Cannes is bound to be a highlight for the 2,500 people attending the party".

ILTM retains its competitive advantage by inviting over 1,300 of the ‘A-List' luxury travel buyers and private travel arrangers from seventy countries from throughout the globe to meet with the leading luxury travel suppliers familiar to providing the star treatment for their clients. ILTM also features an invitation only policy to ensure that that levels of business and networking remain consistently high as the market grows at such a fast pace.