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RX (Reed Exhibitions), the organiser behind IGTM (International Golf Travel Market) has successfully hosted the first international face to face meeting of the golf travel industry for the past 2 years and for the first time in the UK – home to some 5.2million golfers (up 68% from 2019 to 2020)[1]. The event was hosted at the ICC Wales and Celtic Manor Resort.

Approximately 200 tour operators, travel agents and concierge companies were in attendance from 30 countries including Golfbreaks (UK), Leadingcourses.com (Netherlands) and Women on Fairways (US). They met with a similar number of the world’s top golf courses, resorts, hotels, tourist boards and DMCs showcasing destinations such as Wales, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Catalonia, France, and Italy, Portugal, Spain and Qatar.

Dedicated to creating opportunities to do business over the 3-day event, over 7,000 meetings took place giving the industry a kick start into 2022 and beyond, a sector that is expected to reach a value of $41.04bn during 2021-2025[2]. Golfers took part in networking events including the official IGTM golf tournament at Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten, Royal Porthcawl, The Vale and St. Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club – giving participants an opportunity to play on some of the top courses including a previous Ryder Cup course (Twenty Ten).

Exhibitors and buyers have commented on the success of the event. Siobhan O’Sullivan, Director of Sales and Marketing, Mount Juliet Ireland comments: “I’ve had meetings with some excellent quality buyers at IGTM this year. Being the hosts of the Irish Open earlier this year, it’s crucial for us to keep the Mount Juliet brand out there. Now more than ever, relationships are at the forefront of everything we do. We’ve been delighted to be here with Tourism Ireland

and combining not only the golf, but also the culture, hospitality, estate properties and stories our country has to offer.”

Eddie Mitchell, Sales Manager, Rovos Rail South Africa commented: “I have been delighted with the success my business has made through IGTM this year, it is one of the best IGTM events I’ve ever been to. The venue has been fantastic, and the buyer quality has also been excellent – IGTM is without a doubt the premium event for the golf travel industry.”

Marina Mylona, Tourism Officer. Visit Cyrpus commented: “We received some good business leads from the virtual IGTM Links last year but it’s great to have more time to do business face to face at last. The results of the show have been good for our Cyprus family of businesses. I am pleased to see smiling new faces and those we have seen behind a screen for such a long time.”

Fatima Gonzalez Carriles, Travel Consultant, Sapphire Viajes Spain commented: “The opportunity to see everyone in person again is priceless and makes such a huge difference. IGTM is the opportunity for the networking we’ve missed. This is my 4th IGTM and when I think about the key points in my career when I’ve needed people to help me or an important connection, it was always made at IGTM.”

Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales Chief Executive Ian Edwards said: “It has been a sight for sore eyes to see the exhibition hall at ICC Wales busy with exhibitors and delegates once again. Not only is this the first time the UK has ever held this prestigious global event, IGTM is also one of the first international industry events of any kind to return to the UK since the lifting of restrictions. It has been fantastic to meet up face to face once again and welcome so many visitors from around the world to Wales and show them our amazing facilities, both inside the convention centre and outside on our wonderful golf courses.”

In a statement released today, David Todd, Event Manager of IGTM announced the 2022 venue for IGTM at a handover to the host destination: “We’re delighted that this event moves to Italy next year, also home to the 2023 Ryder Cup, at Marco Simone Championship course. IGTM will follow this event on 17-20 October. We will be based in Rome and details of the IGTM golf tournament and programme for the event will be released over the coming months.”

Representing the host of IGTM 2022, Valentina Corrado, Councillor, Lazio Region concluded, IGTM will be a milestone on the road to Ryder Cup 2023, when the whole world will be looking at Lazio and Rome for the most important golf event in the calendar. We’re looking forward to showcasing all our destination has to offer to IGTM attendees next year.”