GTM Luxury: A New Era in Travel Networking

PHOENIX — As the clock strikes 10:16 a.m., the atmosphere at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is electric. The room buzzes with handshakes, introductions, and the swift exchange of business cards. This is the inaugural GTM Luxury, hosted by Northstar Travel Group, where a speed-dating-style approach to meetings between travel advisors and suppliers is in full swing. The minutes fly by, but they are enough to forge meaningful relationships in the luxury travel sector.

A Unique Networking Experience

GTM Luxury represents the latest iteration of Northstar’s invitation-only Global Travel Marketplace events. To qualify for attendance, travel advisors must meet stringent criteria: they must sell at least $1 million annually to clients who spend a minimum of $1,000 per person, per day, possess at least two years of experience in luxury travel, and maintain a roster of high-net-worth clients. This exclusivity ensures that the event is populated with serious players in the luxury travel market.

At her table, Kristen Buckshire, owner of Travel Ease based in Augusta, Georgia, is set to have 52 appointments over two days with luxury-focused suppliers. Specializing in luxury family travel, Buckshire is meeting with brands like Rental Escapes, Crystal, and Scenic Luxury Cruises, all of which cater to the high-end market.

Tailored Experiences for Discerning Clients

During her meeting with Arts & Leisure Tours, Buckshire identifies a potential match for a client planning a multigenerational trip to Grand Cayman. "They seem to have a good pulse on the luxury experience," she remarks, noting her need for a reliable supplier for custom Caribbean trips. This kind of tailored service is what luxury clients expect, and Buckshire is keen to deliver.

Her enthusiasm continues with Titanium Tours, a luxury destination management company (DMC) for Spain, Portugal, France, and Switzerland. Even while still at GTM, she has already texted her clients about the brand, showcasing her proactive approach to client service.

Buckshire is on track to sell between $5 million and $6 million in travel this year, thanks to her efforts at Travel Ease and the recently acquired Margaret’s Travel. She has attended other GTM events but is particularly drawn to this luxury-focused version to connect with suppliers who understand the curated experiences her clients crave. "They need something very high-end to feel like they are getting that experience and leaving their kids with that legacy of travel," she explains.

The Quest for Authenticity

In her search for suppliers, Buckshire emphasizes the importance of "authenticity." She seeks out those who offer unique experiences that cannot be replicated, ensuring that her clients receive the best possible service. This focus on authenticity is a recurring theme at GTM Luxury, which was created to meet the soaring demand for luxury travel.

Alicia Evanko-Lewis, executive vice president of events for Northstar, highlights the necessity of such events in today’s travel landscape. With plans for future GTM Luxury events, including one in Los Angeles in January and another in Singapore in April, the momentum is clearly building.

Success Stories from GTM Luxury

The networking opportunities at GTM Luxury are not just beneficial for suppliers; they also yield success stories for travel advisors. Jami Turner, owner of The Travel Fanatic in Odessa, Texas, exemplifies this. As she sits down with Stella and Robin Mountain of Ntaba African Safaris, she immediately dives into planning a 2028 safari. Having previously sent a group on safari with the Mountains, Turner feels confident in their capabilities, thanks to the vetting process by the GTM team.

Typically, Turner avoids returning to the same destination within five years, but her experience with Ntaba African Safaris was so exceptional that she is willing to break her own rule. "It was that amazing," she asserts. "GTM works."

Conclusion

GTM Luxury is more than just a networking event; it is a transformative experience for travel advisors and suppliers alike. By fostering connections and emphasizing the importance of tailored, authentic experiences, the event is setting a new standard in the luxury travel industry. As the demand for high-end travel continues to soar, GTM Luxury is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of luxury travel.