Reed Exhibitions have announced that the International Golf Travel Market is to be hosted in Lisbon in Portugal for the next two years.
While previous stagings of the international golf industry’s leading travel event has moved around from destination to destination in past years, RX has broken with tradition in deciding that IGTM will remain at the same place for 2023 and 2024.
David Griffiths, Event Director for IGTM organised by RX (Reed Exhibitions) said: “In choosing Lisbon as our host city, we have established IGTM in one destination for the next two years. It will make a big difference to both exhibitors and delegates, as the venue is not only close to the airport but also within walking distance to many excellent hotels, restaurants and bars. The proximity to all amenities will provide the perfect opportunity for participants seeking additional networking opportunities from the golf travel community.”
Griffiths added: “We have all the buyers who represent the top leisure golfers and consumer customers in the world; they come to the event to finalise their promotions, pricing and advertising to make sure they are prepped and ready for the start of 2024 Q1.”
Apart from tour operators and travel agents sourcing for their 2024, it’s also the only golf tourism event that hosts the leading golf and travel writers and editors, who are there to research news and content from exhibitors for their future travel and golf tourism pages.
Between 2022 and 2032, the golf tourism market is expected to achieve some $40.4bn, according to the latest FMI report. The same report goes on to say that the growth is primarily fuelled by the rising number of international and domestic tournaments and a massive hike in the number of professional and amateur golf players across the globe.
Announcing that Lisbon will host IGTM, Turismo de Lisboa said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to showcase our city to the international golf travel industry for the next two years. Hosting IGTM allows us to promote our history, architecture, music, gastronomy, and, of course, the fantastic golf available in the region.
“We are excited to shape and create events and experiences for all attendees that will give them a real sense of belonging, and a taste of the experiences they and their clients could have if they visit Lisbon in the future. The economic impact of an event like IGTM on Lisbon is compounded by the opportunity it gives the city and Portugal as a destination for the promotion of golf tourism, and we can’t be happier to be of service.”