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Since the turn of the century, an increasingly large percentage of the global holiday and tourism market can be attributed to the overseas golf market. According to the Golf Benchmark Report 2006, demand has grown significantly:
There are now over 57 million golfers and 31,000 golf courses worldwide. The golf travel market is expected to further develop over the next 10 years, driven largely by increased life expectancy, improved and cheaper air transport, healthier lifestyles, a growth in disposable income and media coverage in emerging economies.
Given the dynamic and competitive environment in which the sector operates, Reed Travel Exhibitions launched the first International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in 1998 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. IGTM has subsequently become the world’s premier event focusing on golf travel and 3rd-6th December 2007 will mark the show’s 10th anniversary in Cancun, Mexico.
Over the last 10 years, exhibiting companies at IGTM have tripled in size, from 131 exhibitors representing 16 countries to 392 representing 55 countries.
IGTM 2007 once again sets the pace by returning to the Americas; with over 300 specialist suppliers of golf related products from 55 countries already registered. Over 200 Buyers are expected from Canada, the USA, Japan, South Africa and a very strong representation from Europe.
Exhibiting companies include: Playa Mujeres Golf Club and Questro Golf (Mexico), Abu Dhabi Golf Club, The Montgomerie (Dubai), Mission Hills Golf Club (China), Kenya Tourist Board, Carton House (Ireland), and Argentina Golf Experience By Tvardek among others. Representation from leading European golfing destinations include Portugal, Spain, Ireland Scotland and Italy.
In the last month, several destinations have announced their participation as first-time exhibitors at IGTM including Panama, Puerto Rico Peru, Indonesia, New Zealand. There will be also 32 new main stand holders making their debut, notable names include: Sawgrass Marriott, Doral Resort (Florida), Mississippi, Fairmont Mayakoba (Mexico), Panama Tourist Board, Coco Golf & Country Club (Puerto Rico), Andean Origins (Peru).
Mark Walsh, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Group Exhibition Director said: “After a decade, the show continues to grow from strength to strength. The most important factor is the ability IGTM has to bring over 1000 golf tourism professionals together under one roof to conduct business, network and identify new markets. The global reach of the event is highlighted more than ever this year, with a strong presence from USA/Canada, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa”.
Highlights of a decade
- IGTM 1998. 4th- 6th Dec. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 131 exhibitors from 16 countries.
- IGTM 1999. 1st– 4th Dec. Vilamoura, Portugal.
- IGTM 2000. 10th-13th Dec. Jacksonville, Florida. Attendance from 44 countries
- IGTM 2001. 5th- 8th Dec. Sun City, South Africa. Exhibitors representing 31 countries. Buyers represented 23 countries. 460 delegates in attendance
- IGTM 2002. 8-11th Dec. Biarritz, France. 35 countries, 263 exhibitors, 178 buyers.
- IGTM 2003. 8-11th Dec. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. 38 countries, Barcelo Convention Centre. First-timers Hungary, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Mauritius.
- IGTM 2004. 6th-9th Dec. Estoril & Sintra Golf Coast, Portugal. 910 delegates.
- IGTM 2005. 5th-8th Dec. Maspalomas Gran Canaria. Islas Canarias. Spain. Over 950 delegates from 47 countries. Exhibitors 377
- IGTM 2006. 20th-23rd Nov. Andalucia, Spain. 36% increase in new buyers to 333. 392 exhibitors from 47 countries. First-timers Hong Kong and Colombia. New destinations: Cuba, St Vincent & The Grenadines.
- IGTM 2007. 3rd – 6th December, 2007 Cancun, Mexico. 55 countries in attendance
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
