Wales will play host to the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) next year from 19-22 October 2020 – the first time the global B2B event for the golf travel industry has been welcomed to the UK.
An endorsement of the UK’s importance as a golfing destination, Wales will welcome more than one thousand international golf tourism suppliers, venues, destinations, buyers and media at the Celtic Manor Resort and the brand new International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) in partnership with The Vale Resort, Marriott St Pierre and Royal Porthcawl.
Fittingly, IGTM 2020 will coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor – one of Wales’ most memorable golfing moments. Next year is also the ‘Year of the Outdoors’ in Wales, reinforcing the country’s renowned strengths in outdoor pursuits, sports, activity, adventure and culture.
Meanwhile, a group of the leading golf clubs and resorts in Wales have formed a new tourism body responsible for maintaining and developing the momentum generated by government support.
Founder members of Golf Tourism Wales include Royal Porthcawl, Royal St David’s, Aberdovey, Pennard, Celtic Manor Resort and The Vale Resort.
This membership organisation is responsible for lobbying central government for funds and providing a focus for inbound golf tourism activity. It launches today with a new website –golftourismwales.com – and social media platforms.
“Welsh Government/Visit Wales invested heavily in golf tourism before, during and after the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor to great effect, but this is the first time that steps have been taken by the clubs and resorts to safeguard the enormous progress made since the 2010 Ryder Cup in this highly competitive, but lucrative market,” said John Edwards, the secretary of Royal Porthcawl Golf Club.
“GTW demonstrates a willingness of the golf tourism industry to take control of their own destiny, and ensure that visitors know they will receive a first-class welcome at high-quality golf courses and resorts,” said Matthew Parsley, the general manager of Conwy Golf Club, the host venue for the 2020 Curtis Cup.
For more information contact Andrew Cooke on 07876 476655 or andrew@golftourismwales.com