This year’s International Golf Travel Market wrapped up another highly successful event in the city of Lisbon on Thursday (October 17) after bringing together over 300 golf travel buyers, 300 golf travel suppliers and 35 media from all over the world.
IGTM 2024 provided the platform for business growth, networking, and collaboration within the golf tourism industry, with a total of 50 countries represented across the combination of buyers and suppliers over four days of events.
Held once again at the FIL Exhibition Centre in the heart of Lisbon, the event showcased the best in golf travel experiences. Industry leaders discussed trends shaping the future of golf tourism, while the event fostered strong partnerships and facilitated over 10,000 one-on-one business meetings.
The IGTM 2024 programme included enhanced opportunities for the event’s attendees to network: from the opening and closing functions and dedicated speed networking session, to IGTM’s Golf Day for attendees to explore four of Lisbon’s most highly-rated courses – Aroeira Pines Classic, Bom Sucesso Golf, Dolce CampoReal and Penha Longa.
Andrew Walton, operations manager at Lofoten Links Golf Club in Norway, commented: “IGTM has been fantastic for us, giving us the opportunity to meet with a lot of new buyers, gaining leads and we’ve even secured a booking for next year since being here. As we are a remote golf course, events like IGTM where we have face time with the most important buyers are just what we need.”
Sonia Fornarolo, head of promotions for Italy Golf & More, commented: “More concrete business has been confirmed at IGTM this year than ever before. We have been delighted with the presence of new buyers – especially a noticeable increase of buyers from the US and North America – as well as buyers focussing not only on golf, but also more focussed on qualified wine itineraries and culture to combine golf, MICE and incentives.”
James Somerside, marketing manager for IMG Golf Course Services, added: “IGTM continues to be a key part of our venues’ annual calendar. The opportunity to connect with tour operators, tourist boards, and relevant industry partners continually makes this a show that adds great value to the venues that we represent.”
Rob Saunders, senior sales manager at Toptracer, commented: “As newcomers to IGTM, we’re pleased to be able to allow so many golf travel professtionals to experience what we’re delivering to 1,300 driving ranges around the world. We’ve got a lot of live conversations with the attendees we’ve met and we’re looking forward to cementing the relationships we’ve formed at the show.”
Emerging destinations also attended this year which are important for many of the world’s golf tourism agents and tour operators, offering new options for their client’s travel plans.
Salaam Malki, head of Visit Aqaba, commented: “Visit Aqaba’s participation at IGTM 2024 in Lisbon was an incredible success, showcasing Aqaba as a top-tier golf destination. The event offered fantastic business opportunities and valuable industry connections. We highly recommend IGTM for anyone looking to grow their presence in the golf tourism sector.”
Expanding the event to 37% new qualified buyers and travel agents who have golf tourism in their sights saw many new faces attend for the first time.
Trenia Barnes, owner of Platinum Destination Travel, commented: “My first IGTM has been great, we have a lot of clients who are looking for golfing holidays so this event really is a perfect fit for us. We’re grateful to have time to speak in detail with those products our clients are looking for, especially in Italy, Spain and Scotland.”
Yvonne Hawley, travel advisor with Protravel International, powered by Global Travel Collection, added: “Throughout IGTM I engaged with a diverse array of exhibitors. The opportunity to connect face-to-face with industry leaders allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of emerging products and services tailored to meet the evolving needs of golf travellers.”
James Bryan, managing director at UK-based golf travel business Golf Escapes, added: “The quality of the meetings at IGTM has been brilliant and it has been a seamless week. There have been three of us with strong agendas, which has been fantastic to meet so many new contacts and catch up with our key golf suppliers from around the world, all under one roof.”
David Griffiths, Event Director for IGTM, commented: “We are delighted with the feedback from this year’s event and hearing that business is already being committed before our attendees have departed. For the last two years, the city of Lisbon has shown our attendees outstanding hospitality and, building on this success, we are pleased to announce Cannes as the host city for IGTM 2025 to highlight the symbiotic relationship of the golf and luxury industries, and where we look forward to welcoming delegates for another edition of networking, innovation, and discovery in the world of golf travel.”
IGTM 2025 will take place October 20-23 at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes, France. For more details visit www.igtm.com.