Northstar Travel Group creates GTM Luxury event: Travel Weekly

Northstar Travel Group, Travel Weekly’s parent company, has expanded its Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) franchise into the luxury market: Its first Global Travel Marketplace Luxury event will take place at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix July 28 to 30.

Following the format for GTM and GTM West, Northstar said that GTM Luxury will be a highly curated, intimate and focused event with structured one-on-one meetings between advisors and suppliers; exclusive boardrooms; and networking opportunities. It is designed to facilitate direct connections between suppliers and travel advisors who sell luxury.

Northstar Travel Group executive vice president of global events Alicia Evanko-Lewis said GTM Luxury “will set a new standard for luxury travel events.” 

“By combining the proven formula of GTM with the unique needs of the luxury travel market, this event will enable suppliers and buyers to come together, build lasting relationships and drive significant growth in the luxury travel space for all parties involved,” Evanko-Lewis said.

Travel agency owners and advisors applying for GTM Luxury must have an existing network of high-net-worth clients, at least two years of sales experience in luxury travel and proven luxury sales of at least $800 to $1,000 per person, per day. 

Suppliers attending GTM Luxury will include high-end hotels and resorts; private jet and yacht charter services; luxury tour operators and destination management companies; tourism boards and destinations; high-end adventure and expedition providers; premium lifestyle and wellness brands; and luxury cruise lines.

Mary Pat Sullivan, Northstar’s executive vice president of marketing and partnerships, said Northstar saw the need for an event bringing together key players in the luxury sector.  

“The launch of GTM Luxury is a direct response to the increasing rise of the travel advisor in today’s consumer travel marketplace,” Sullivan said. “We want to be sure we are always at the forefront of championing travel and supporting the most crucial industry connections and relationships.”

Applications for advisors will open in early 2025. For more information on participating in GTM Luxury as a supplier attendee, contact Emmy Smotrys, [email protected]. 

GTM West, meanwhile, will take place at La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, Calif., June 17 to 19, and the flagship GTM will take place at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla., July 10 to 12.