The International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) has announced a significant increase in the number of representatives of tour operators and travel agencies registering for the first time for its 20th edition, a major event for the golf tourism industry on the world plan.

Photo: DR

Over the past two decades, IGTM has visited nine different countries. The first edition was held in Fort Lauderdale, USA, in 1998 with 130 exhibitors and 100 buyers from 16 countries.

This year, this appointment event anticipates attracting up to 420 tour operator representatives from around the world, a 5% increase over 2016, as well as over 550 golf travel companies and 100 international specialist media. .

Organized in Cannes, which is one of the most chic and accessible destinations in Europe, this year's event also brings together several new travel agencies from the luxury sector and MICE interested in golf.

Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Director: “For 20 years we have been doing a tremendous job to provide the best possible environment and to facilitate networking and exchanges within the global golf industry. "

“Every year, our goal is to convince new golf tourism destinations and businesses to participate in this event. We are therefore delighted by the strong interest expressed by tour operators, which will make the 2017 edition of IGTM another unmissable event. "

In addition to the 260 buyers already registered, the 2017 edition has already allocated more than 80% of its exhibition space, with more than 20 new exhibitors from countries such as South Africa, Cyprus, Japan, Portugal and Spain. Destinations such as Dubai are making a comeback, proof of the attractiveness of this event around the world.

“We are delighted with the presence of several exhibitors, such as Morocco, the Canary Islands, Tuscany and European Tour Properties. They have chosen to increase their presence this year, which demonstrates the importance of the IGTM trade fair for the global golf tourism industry, ”adds Peter Grimster.

“With more than 14,500 business meetings in 2016, last year broke all IGTM records. Given the quality of the environment we will have at Cannes, we are convinced that this 20th edition will surpass our best performances. "

The 20th edition of the IGTM fair will take place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, in the south of France, from 11 to 14 December 2017.

To find out more about the IGTM and the 20th edition of the event: www.igtm.wtm.co.uk