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 KPMG 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 develop further 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 in Cancun, Mexico, will mark the show’s 10th anniversary.
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. 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 includes 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 1,000 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.”
IGTM 2007 is sponsored by Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Mexico Tourist Board
IGTM 2007 www.igtm.co.uk