Great sea escape at the Monte Carlo Travel Market

Exclusive travel in the lap of luxury at the MCTM

For the second year in a row, the Tunisian tourism and real estate group, Kélibia la blanche, is the official partner. They are sponsoring a new exhibition space dedicated to eco-tourism, in which international companies will present their latest technologies towards developing eco-friendly tourism facilities and accommodation.

One area that organisers, the Platinium Group, have expanded on this year is the space at the centre of the exhibition, which has the atmosphere of an airport lounge. As Vice-President Steve Sasportas explains: "People enjoy relaxing here and looking at the luxury items - jewellery, watches, cars, etc. It is very popular so we have increased the number of Luxury Lifestyle exhibitors by 20 per cent." This being the top end of luxury travel, you can expect some very unusual items for the home or office. For example, there’s a company which converts 1930s aircraft parts into unique items of furniture.

In its sixth year, the MCTM is going from strength to strength. It moved to the bigger Grimaldi Forum, a few years ago and attracted over 14,300 visitors. Organisers expect more for the 2010 show which features 235 companies represented by 128 exhibitors. Despite the global downturn, the exhibition is full. "Certainly economic events have had an impact on the travel industry but the luxury sector is holding its own," says Mr Sasportas. "The tour operators seem to be doing fine and MCTM is looking forward to boosting business for exhibitors and giving business people direct travel connections.

For others, this is where dreams really can come true. “Wealthy people like this show because they can explore a wide variety of unusual travel experiences in one place, and can be assured of a confidential, personal service should they wish to book straight away."

Monte Carlo Travel Market 15th to 17th January 2010

Grimaldi Forum Monaco Avenue Princesse Grace

Tel: +377 93 25 47 01

www.mctm.mc