The nation’s top luxury travel advisors and suppliers attended the first annual Ultra Luxury Exchange (ULTRA) at Turnberry Isle Miami June 2-4, 2013. Developed and curated by Questex Hospitality + Travel, renowned global leader in the luxury travel industry, the by-invitation-only event consisted of exclusive discussions and industry panels with a conclusive summary of findings presented by Peter Yesawich, Vice Chairman of MMGY and top ten takeaway tips presented by Ruthanne Terrero, Vice President & Editorial Director of Questex Hospitality + Travel. Content will be available via an exclusive white paper providing research and insight into the ultra-luxury landscape, developed by those in attendance and on showcase at ULTRA’s three-day program.
“The past few days at ULTRA Luxury Exchange have truly been a corroboration of some of the greatest minds in the luxury travel advisor community,” said Terrero. “There is a true shift in affluent travel trends and this group has helped us define it at this exclusive event.”
With a robust program consisting of intimate appointments intermixed with lively panels, engaging presentations and thought-provoking discussions, content included Insights into the Emerging Travel Patterns from the Top US Luxury Travel Advisor with Jack Mannix of Jack E. Mannix & Associates and a two-part presentation on Insights into the Emerging Travel Habits, Preferences and Intentions of Affluent US Travelers with Peter Yesawich of MMGY. Attendees also took part in moderated panel discussions titled, Capturing and Capitalizing on the Millennial Luxury Traveler, The Social Media and Content Marketing Sales Revolution, The Art of Customer Service and The Rising Trend for Butler Service in Luxury Hotels.
Throughout the three-day program, a common theme within each discussion and panel surrounded the growth of the millennial generation within the luxury travel industry. Based on the insights shared, there was a strong prediction of growth within the luxury market sector overall. The art of personalized customer service and authentic experiences, play an increasingly integral role within the luxury market. The ongoing growth and acceptance of social media across the luxury sector continues to place significant emphasis on brand evangelism driven by the affluent consumer.
In addition to the intimate networking opportunities and enlightening panels, those who were selected to be part of the inaugural ULTRA conference will receive exclusive access to a comprehensive white paper outlining the research and findings garnered from the program. For more information, please visit www.ULTRALuxuryExchange.com.