The International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), the world’s premier global event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media, has announced a significant increase in the number of new tourism destinations participating in the annual show.

More than 400 leading resorts, golf courses and DMCs (destination management companies) have already registered from over 50 countries for IGTM 2011, hosted by Betuyab (Belek Tourism Investors Association). The event will take place in the award-winning golf destination of Belek, close to the city of Antalya in Turkey, from November 14-17, with a record attendance anticipated.

Among those exhibiting for the first time are the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the newly formed South Africa Golf Tourism Association, the Egypt Tourism Authority and Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

Commenting on its participation in this year’s event, ADTA’s Dayne Lim said: “We are eager to convince future partners of our compelling and diverse offering.  The wide range of our facilities and playing experiences epitomise Abu Dhabi’s golf tourism offering – a variety that comprises parkland, ocean, links, city, sand and country courses.

“The emirate’s emergence as an easily accessible, high-end golf tourism destination is headlined by its three championship-ready courses that lie within a 25-minute radius of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.”

“IGTM goes from strength to strength and we are anticipating this year’s event will be one of the most important events since the show was established in 1997,” said Group Exhibition Director Mark Walsh of Reed Travel Exhibitions.

“With Turkey winning the IAGTO Best Golf Destination 2008, and Belek-Antalya having enjoyed spectacular success as a fast-growing golf destination, there will be great interest in the host country, which will be represented by more than 50 golf resorts, clubs and hotels."

Mark Walsh continued: “The location of IGTM 2011 has also opened up a gateway to Asia, with the event attracting, for the first time ever, 30 golf clubs and resort from seven Asian destinations, resorts and golf clubs. This year the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for Indonesia will join previous exhibitors from Asia, including the Japan Tourism Agency and Mission Hills China, who all return after a successful event last year.”

Peter Walton, President of IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), said: “There is no doubt that the wider travel market continues to face challenging conditions. However, for proactive suppliers and buyers in the golf travel market, where there is a more positive outlook, there are opportunities to stay ahead of the curve – and IGTM is the place to be to achieve this.”

The four-day event, which has become the established meeting place for golf tourism professionals from across the globe, will see more than1400 golf travel industry professionals, representing national and regional golf tourism organisations, leading resorts and golf courses, descend on Belek and Antalya.