The International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) 2024 is poised for a groundbreaking event, attracting numerous golf travel agents and buyers from North America. With attendees from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this year’s event in Lisbon, Portugal, from October 14-17, 2024, is set to surpass all expectations, solidifying IGTM’s position as the leading global golf tourism event.

Recent data from the National Golf Foundation highlights a significant trend in golf tourism. Over 12 million Americans are projected to travel for golf trips in 2024. This marks the third consecutive year of high numbers, showcasing a substantial increase from 8 million in 2018. In 2022 alone, 12.4 million Americans travelled for golf, emphasizing the sport’s growing appeal and the lucrative opportunities it presents.

IGTM 2024 has already doubled the number of tour operators and travel agents from the US and Canada compared to last year, with three months still available for further registrations. This surge underscores North America’s critical role in the global golf tourism market, where demand for high-end golf travel experiences continues to rise.

David Griffiths, Event Director of IGTM, expressed his excitement:

Record North American Golf Agents to Attend IGTM 2024.

“We’re pleased to announce the largest representation of North American buyers in the history of IGTM at this year’s event, with time to still welcome more qualified agents to meet with our network of global golf travel brands. Golfers from across this important region are keen to travel the world to play their sport and the global exhibitors that attend IGTM offer a breadth and variety of high-end choices for the agents that attend.”

Rodrigo Ulrich, Golf Director at Terras da Comporta Golf, echoed this sentiment:

“Terras da Comporta considers the North American Market as key to the success of our golf courses. The increased North American presence at IGTM this year is a fantastic opportunity for us, as well as the opportunity to meet other important agencies from Europe and Asia – all in the same place at the same time.”

More consortia travel agencies will attend the 2024 IGTM than ever before, including agents from prestigious networks like Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network. Esteemed host agencies such as Embark Beyond, Internova (Global Travel Collection), Travel Leaders, and FROSCH will also be present, ensuring a high-quality roster of attendees.

First-time attendee Todd Langenek of All-Travel, a member of Signature Travel, shared his enthusiasm:

“As a certified Golf Travel Specialist (The Travel Institute) and Golf Expert Select (Signature), I am delighted to attend IGTM for the first time this year and looking forward to establishing the relationships that will allow me to plan even more wonderful golf vacations for my clients.”

Fran Geraci of Dreamscape Travel Group within the Virtuoso network added:

“Specializing in corporate and leisure golf travel packages to unique worldwide destinations, I am passionate about the niche golf travel sector and looking forward to attending IGTM and the many opportunities I am confident it will offer for my business.”

For golf travel brands seeking to expand their network among North American buyers or for tour operators and travel agents with clients eager to play golf around the world, IGTM 2024 represents an unparalleled opportunity. Interested parties are encouraged to contact IGTM’s Event Director, David Griffiths, at david.griffiths@rxglobal.com for more information.

Written by: Yves Thomas

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