IGTM in Lisbon’s success sets the stage for Cannes 2025
50 countries represented, over 10,000 business appointments facilitated
37% new buyers to IGTM
Last week (14th – 17th October 2024), International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) 2024 wrapped up another highly successful event in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. Bringing together over 300 golf travel buyers from 50 countries, 300 golf travel suppliers from 41 countries and 35 media from 11 countries, IGTM 2024 provided the platform for business growth, networking, and collaboration within the golf tourism industry.
Held 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.
David Griffiths, Event Director for IGTM comments on his highlights; “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.”
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 esteemed courses; Aroeira Pines Classic, Bom Sucesso Golf, Dolce CampoReal and Penha Longa.
Andrew Walton, Lofoton Links, 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, 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, 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.”
First time attendee to IGTM, Rob Saunders, Toptracer commented: “As newcomers to IGTM, we’re pleased to be able to allow so many golf travel professionals 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, 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, 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 M Hawley, Protravel, powered by Global Travel Collection commented “Throughout IGTM 2024, 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, Golf Escapes also added: “The quality of the meetings at IGTM 2024 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.”
Griffiths continues: “We look forward to welcoming delegates to Cannes in 2025 for another edition of networking, innovation, and discovery in the world of golf travel.”
IGTM 2025 will take place 20th – 23rd October at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes, France.
#IGTM #GolfTogether
