Places at Black Book for luxury travel advisors are filling fast, as TTG’s new boutique luxury trade show gathers momentum.

Black Book takes place on 21 and 22 October at the Business Design Centre in London, with exhibitors and travel advisors able to benefit from up to 34 personalised appointments over the two days.

Each day will also start with six sessions of agent-centric conference content and talks, which attendees will be able to choose from across three stages.

With its hosted advisor strategy – all agents will have the option of an overnight stay in London on 21 October – Black Book also aims to make it as convenient as possible for agents from across the UK & Ireland to attend.

Scotland-based Alice Paisley of Alician Travel said: “Being based in Edinburgh, I am always on the look-out for new trade shows in London, as we have a distinct lack of luxury shows in Scotland – I am always keen to support new events.”

“Having worked for eight years at Abercrombie & Kent, I set up Alician Travel with a focus on ‘money can’t buy’ experiences; those that go far beyond the ordinary,” added Alice. “I focus on authenticity, meeting the locals and I believe the best journeys aren’t just about where you go, but the stories you collect along the way. It’s also often the case that it’s ‘not what you know but who you know’ in this industry, so Black Book is such an exciting new addition to this scene.”

In addition to being able to curate their own meeting book and gaining access to business-shaping content, attendees can also catch up with fellow agents and other exhibitors during welcome breakfasts, networking lunches, and a farewell drinks reception across the two days.

Attending the debut edition of Black Book is Theresa Green, founder of Aardwolf Travel, who said: “Personal experience is key, and now we are in a world of social media, everyone is watching, so to be involved with this great new initiative is wonderful. People’s views on luxury are now very different – it no longer means just a five-star hotel, so it's really important as an agent to try and keep up to date with an ever-changing and growing sector.”

Black Book will have more than 100 exhibitors, which run the gamut of luxury travel – from tourist offices representing some of the world’s most exciting destinations; to luxury river, expedition and classic cruise brands. One-off gem hotels and larger hotel groups will also be present, whether new openings keen to meet advisors for the first time, or iconic favourites with great stories to tell.

Whether agents prefer to book through luxury tour operators, or plan their own bespoke trips with DMCs, there will be a range of companies to meet with. And from elegant rail journeys, to sleek luxury road and chauffeur options, elevated transport options will also be available to meet with.

Also crucial for Black Book is a special partnership with XO Private, a global collection of unique and distinct partners which is set to bring an exciting cluster of luxury hotels, villa companies and expert DMCs to London for the show.  

Meanwhile, Ireland and Switzerland will have dedicated areas designed to bring the breadth of luxury product in these countries to life at Black Book.

Sally Strang, Travel Counsellors said: “I’m attending Black Book because I believe in the power of strong, meaningful partnerships within the luxury travel community. My clients expect exceptional experiences, and that can only be delivered through trusted relationships with the very best hotels, DMCs and suppliers worldwide.

“Black Book offers the chance to meet innovators, deepen existing connections and discover new partners who share the same commitment to service, creativity and excellence. I’m always looking to elevate the value I bring to my clients, and Black Book feels like the ideal environment to learn, collaborate and stay ahead in the luxury travel space.”

Francesca Stevenson is a luxury travel associate with Swords Travel. She said: “As a self-employed luxury travel associate, I really appreciate the opportunity to connect with such well-regarded and passionate individuals and companies within the industry. Rapport and relationships are the most important source of inspiration for me, so meeting the most valuable people who can enhance and support my business is key. It’s a privilege to be a part of the Black Book community and I look forward to connecting with everyone.”

In order to achieve a high-quality attendance, all luxury travel advisors such as Sally and Francesca are being selected based on an application and referencing process, ensuring high levels of experience, engagement and sales ability.  

“There are just 150 luxury travel advisors places for Black Book and these are filling fast, with a broad spectrum of attendees already signed up to attend – from independent private travel planners, to well-respected luxury retail bosses, concierge agents and designers from leading home-based host agencies,” said April Hutchinson, head of luxury, TTG Media.

“We are firmly committed to delivering the most inspiring and interesting experience for all our attendees – everyone understands the need for an event like this in the UK market, and we have been blown away by the interest in being a part of the Black Book community we are building,” she added.

Black Book also goes hand-in-hand with Top 20 Luxury Travel Agencies, an awards programme entering its second year.

Entries for the 10 categories will open this April, with the winners set to be announced at a glittering evening awards ceremony and dinner on 21 October at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane.

Want to discover more luxury trends?

Apply now to attend Black Book – a new luxury travel event designed to build relationships and help travel designers unlock insight into the future of luxury travel.

Enjoy curated one-to-one meetings with leading luxury brands and delve into an inspiring conference programme, where travel designers can gain first-hand understanding of how to future-proof their business.