International Golf Travel Market 2001 – “A world class event”

Once again, International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), exceeded all expectations. The effects of September 11th have been felt throughout the world and at such an uncertain time for the travel industry, the quality and quantity of both exhibitors and buyers was highly commendable. Sun City was magical. With the many varied activities and sights to see, it was a highly enjoyable event.

* Summary of Show Results

§ A total of 104 senior golf travel buyers attended the event

§ Exhibitors representing 31 countries were in attendance

§ Buyers represented 23 countries

§ A total of 193 exhibiting companies attended the event

§ 316 exhibiting personnel

§ Overall attendance of 460 delegates (including press, hosted press and VIP guests) (Organisers statement prior to submission to ABC)

Made up of buyer / exhibitor one-to-one appointments, IGTM is regarded as the premier event for the golf travel industry. It is the only forum where specialist golf tour operators, incentive travel agents and meetings and conference organisers can meet with leading hotels, resorts, airlines and other suppliers of golf related products. IGTM was described as a “world class event” by Damian Ryan, Director of Golf at the Irish Tourist Board. “IGTM is an absolute necessity for any organisation involved in the promotion of golf tourism”, he said.

As well as the 31 one-to-one appointments, the majority of which are pre-scheduled prior to the event, the seller meets buyer session was also extremely successful. It enables exhibitors the vital opportunity to meet new buyers and add additional appointments to their event diaries. “We have been able to establish some excellent contacts which I am confident will lead to mutually successful business”, said Malcolm Simpson, Champion Golf Holidays, Australia. “As usual IGTM lived up to expectation. A fantastic way to meet focussed golf tour operators”, added John McLaughlin, West Coast Links Golf, Ireland. Martin Alden, one of the IGTM UK buyers said “our attendance was pre-empted by high expectation…these expectations have been profitably surpassed”.

IGTM is recognised as a clearly focussed business to business event and certainly provides for its delegates. Due to its size and the niche of the event, IGTM also works tremendously well from a networking and socialising perspective. “This show is the first show of its kind that Kenya Tourist Board have attended as exhibitors. The networking opportunities have been tremendous, we will most certainly attend next year”, commented Raymond Matiba, Kenya Tourist Board. “IGTM has given a major boost to golf tourism in Dubai”, said Rod Bogg, Dubai Golf, Dubai

“We have had dozens of positive comments about the event this year. Not only has the show been a success for the businesses here, it has been a success all round; the entertainment facilities at Sun City, the IGTM functions, the golf tournament. Everyone is delighted with the results of the show and we are looking forward to what Biarritz will bring next December”, said Mark Walsh, Exhibition Manager IGTM.

IGTM 2002 will be held in Biarritz, France from 8 – 11 December