Recent statistics from the National Golf Foundation show that 2024 is projected to see over 12 million Americans travel for a golf trip* for the 3rd year running (up from 8 million in 2018), with a record high of 12.4 million seen in 2022. IGTM is staying ahead of the curve by doubling the number of tour operators and travel agents from the US and Canada attending the event to date compared to last year’s figures, with three months remaining for further operators to sign up to this year’s event and connect the world’s largest gathering of golf tourism exhibitors.
David Griffiths, Event Director, IGTM commented: “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, increasingly recognised as one of Portugal’s best golf courses added: “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”.
All registered buyers are qualified to ensure that the quality of agencies who attend is maintained at high levels. 2024 will see more consortia travel agencies attending IGTM than ever before, including agents from Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network among other consortia. We will also welcome host agencies such as Embark Beyond, Internova (Global Travel Collection), Travel Leaders and FROSCH.
First time attendee Todd Langenek of All-Travel, a member of Signature Travel said: “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.”
And Fran Geraci of Dreamscape Travel Group within the Virtuoso network added: “Speciailising 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 the many opportunities I am confident it will offer for my business.”
* Source National Golf Foundation (May 2024).
Tags: David Griffiths, IGTM
