Set for June 3 at the Shanghai Theater, Portman Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai, the International Luxury Travel Market Asia 2013 opening forum will hear leading industry experts discussing the ongoing rise of the region's luxury travel industry and explore opportunities to build business across the region.

Continuing until June 6, the expo will host nearly 500 elite travel agents and advisors from 19 countries across the region to meet with a guest list of up to 500 global luxury travel suppliers in more than 25,000 one-to-one pre-scheduled appointments. The meetings match mutual requests from buyers and exhibitors alike.

The opening forum is a live debate that will introduce Lu Xiao, an international expert of luxury brand management, luxury consumer behavior and selective retailing to present an overview on the theme of "Elite China, Chinese Luxury Consumers".

Two panel interviews follow with discussion on trends among Pan-Asian travelers, hosted by Janet Tan-Collis of East West Travel and David Chai, director of Product Development, Tidesquare.

The second presentation is themed "building loyal communities among Asian travelers" and features Markus Engel of Urban Resorts Concepts and Michael Hobson of Mandarin Oriental.

The opening forum will also have a special interview with Yat-Chung Koh, president of American Express Asia Card Services, who will offer views on the growth of the Asian wealthy and their spending habits.