Avant le deluge…. ROSEWOOD BAHA MAR hosted an early sundowner around one of the resort’s three pools last Sunday. Sip and swim, savour the sun. People needed fuel for what would be a fast-paced four days, 18-21 September 2023. ILTM North America outgrew its previous home and it has located to the three resorts that form Baha Mar, of which more to come.
This is not as large as mother-ship of the ILTM family, in Cannes, but it is the largest tabletop show. Simon Mayle, who runs ILTM in the Americas, has brought in 475 buyers (travel advisors) from 200 cities in North America, a tally that includes sizeable big contingents from American Express, Internova, Signature, Taylormade and Virtuoso. 72% of these buyers are first-timers to ILTM North America. Buyers will have a total of 26,000 meetings, each 15 minutes long, with 475 exhibitors from 65 countries.
There are also important media here, and this group was welcomed last night in Baha Mar’s ECCHO art centre. Host Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar, stressed the importance of the arts scene to Baha Mar. There are over a thousand Bahamian original art works among the 3,000 pieces displayed throughout the whole complex, and the 14-strong art department (which has classes five days a week, or bespoke any-time commitments) is led by renowned artist John Cross. A partnership with The Bahama’s National Gallery starts soon. What is also exciting is that Baha Mar will host the first regional Culinary and Arts Festival, 28-30 October, with Sting as special guest. Watch this place.
