By James Wilkinson

Richard Rosebery has announced the launch of the inaugural Luxury Travel Week for Australasia, set down for October 11-16.

The former owner of Select Hotels and Resorts told SpiceNews the event will be held in both Auckland (October 11-13) and Sydney (October 14-16) and several leading operators have already signed on.

He said the exclusive invitation-only trade event aims to provide the very best local luxury exhibitors with a cost effective and targeted way to engage face-to face with some of the world’s leading luxury travel buyers on their home turf.

“Priority attendance will be given to Australian luxury exhibitors who are acknowledged to be at the very top of the market and are already promotionally active on the international stage,” he said.

Rosebery said the inaugural Luxury Travel Week will be Australasia’s home grown luxury travel showcase similar to global shows ILTM and ATLM.

Support for the event has already come from luxury hotels on both sides of the Tasman, including Orient-Express Hotels and Blanket Bay.

“We are excited by this brand new opportunity for the Australian market to showcase all things luxury on home soil, and for Orient Express Hotels in Australia to be at the start of what I am sure will be a long term industry success,” said Orient Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises – regional managing director, Patrick Griffin.

Blanket Bay general manager Philip Jenkins said: “Blanket Bay is looking forward to exhibiting at The Luxury Travel Week in October. The opportunity to meet with 35 buyers in Auckland this October specialising in luxury travel to Australasia has great merit. It is a show I enthusiastically support.”

For more information, call +61 (0)2 9967 0550 or email richard@luxurytravelweek.com