RX (Reed Exhibitions), the organiser behind IGTM (International Golf Travel Market), is taking the leading international event to a new home in Europe. For the past 20 years, IGTM has rotated around key golf destinations and will now settle in Lisbon for the next 2 years, defining the future of golf tourism for both exhibitors and travel agents/tour operators who will meet, do business, play golf and network for 3 days.
In a statement, 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 2 years. It will make a big difference to all participants as the venue is not only close to the airport butalso 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.”
IGTM is the only international meeting place for the golf tourism industry at this key time of year. “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.” Added Griffiths.
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 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 US$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”.
Golf for women is also on the rise, according to the National Golf Federation; the percentage of women playing rose to 25% in 2021, up from 19% a decade earlier.
“January and February are known as being the key booking periods for golfers – and IGTM timed for October is where those vital planning conversations by agents and tour operators will take place. If you are not at IGTM as an exhibitor, someone else will certainly take your spot in this key month.” Added Griffith
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 2 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.”
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