XO Private set to appeal to luxury advisors with Black Book debut in London
Luxury travel advisors at the first Black Book trade show can meet with a range of exhibitors, including members of XO Private, a global collection of hotels, villas, exclusive-use options and destination experts
XO Private members (clockwise from left) Ayu In The Wild, Happy Travel and Collezione Em will be at Black Book
A global luxury travel network is planning to further elevate its UK presence, with XO Private due to showcase some of its members in London at Black Book, the new luxury travel trade show by TTG Media.
Set to be held over 21 and 22 October, Black Book will give top-tier travel advisors the opportunity of in-depth interactions with the XO Private community, whose members will have private booths to hold scheduled meetings during the show.
Founded by Yvan Vermeesch, XO Private connects high-end hotels, villas and experience providers with leading travel designers worldwide, positioning itself as a collaborative ecosystem in what can seem like an increasingly crowded luxury landscape.
He originally launched XO Private as a luxury publishing and marketing company, including a prestigious annual book featuring extraordinary properties to appeal to high-end travellers – the business has now evolved into a membership-driven platform designed to deliver year-round value to its members and agents.
“Affluent clients may often feel like they have seen it all – but there is always something else to show them, from private islands, to exclusive-use castles and estates,” explained Vermeesch. “This philosophy grew into us connecting these exclusive places to travel advisors too, as well as anything from private aviation options, to exclusive wineries.”
XO Private members attending Black Book include (clockwise from top left) Galaxy Cruises, Homanie Luxury Rentals and Enigma Peru
The company’s portfolio is deliberately curated, with a strong focus on independent hotels and businesses. He adds that more than 90% of the hotels XO Private works with have less than 100 rooms.
“We work with small, individually-owned properties where we can help spread their passion and really add value to them,” added Vermeesch. “They need to be in premium locations, have a soul and stand out. And sometimes, that doesn’t mean hotels have to be five star, because if it’s the right location where we know we need something of quality, and there’s only a four-star hotel within 100km, we will gladly make an exception.”
XO Private offers its partners exposure through the inspirational XO Private website and a newsletter reaching more than 25,000 subscribers.
Sales opportunities are also key, including participation at major appointment-led trade shows globally, a model the company says helps smaller luxury brands punch above their weight.
Advisors will be able to meet with XO Private members such as (clockwise from top left) Intour Maldives (image: Gili Lankanfushi Maldives); Claudia Da Rin Collection Hotels & Yachts (image: Su Gologone); The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland; and Villa Delight
XO Private now attends more than 30 trade shows worldwide every year. “We take our members under our wing and represent them in the best possible way,” he added. “At the end of the day, our team believes business must be fun – and that’s when the best partnerships are created.”
Members set to showcase their luxury world in a dedicated XO Private area at Black Book include Ayu in the Wild, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, Claudia Da Rin Collection Hotels & Yachts, Collezione Em, Enigma Peru, Fine Representation, Galaxy Cruises, Happy Tour & Travel, Homanie Luxury Rentals, Intour Maldives and Villa Delight. Fellow member Lujo Art & Joy Bodrum will also be at Black Book, with an independent private booth.
“XO Private acts as a bridge between some of the world’s most distinctive travel experiences and the professionals who design bespoke journeys for affluent clients,” said April Hutchinson, head of luxury, TTG Media. “This makes them an absolutely perfect fit for Black Book, and we cannot wait to welcome a divine selection of members to London to meet with our top-flight UK travel advisors during the first exciting edition of this new event.”
Apply now to attend Black Book to build relationships with members of XO Private and other leading luxury brands.
Enjoy curated one-to-one meetings and delve into an inspiring conference programme, where travel designers can gain first-hand understanding of how to future-proof their business.