Mallorca, Spain: This year’s International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) is set to attract a record number of tour operators, travel agencies and carriers to the appointment-based event.
With 350 buyers already registered to attend, an increase of 8% from the 2015 edition, IGTM 2016 will enable a record number of scheduled appointments to take place between golf tour operators and exhibitors during the four-day event (November 14-17).
This year, IGTM is being staged in Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, which saw almost 24 million passengers pass through Palma Airport in 2015, with the popular holiday destination enjoying 300 days of sunshine a year and boasting 23 golf courses.
Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager, said: “We have increased the ratio of buyers to exhibitors this year, which will provide more meeting opportunities and a higher volume of business to be achieved.
“We currently anticipate that around 380 buyers will register for the event this year, which would be a 15% increase from last year.
“With over 90% of exhibitor space already allocated, we will definitely exceed the record number of 11,200 appointments achieved in 2015, ensuring Mallorca is the most successful edition to date.”
First-time buyers that have registered for the 2016 edition include Astro Tours from Colombia, InterGolf Co Ltd, from Vietnam, World Splendour Holidays from Thailand and Light Miles Travel from the Philippines, emphasising IGTM’s growing appeal, from Latin American and Asian organisations.
“With our on-going commitment to attract new golf travel businesses to the event, it is particularly pleasing to have buyers from 57 companies registered for the first time, 17 of which are from long-haul markets including Brazil, China, Vietnam and India, highlighting that there continues to be a clear, quantifiable return on investment, for everyone that attends,” said Grimster.
The IGTM is organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), the world’s leading travel and tourism events organiser. RTE is part of Reed Exhibitions, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.