Marrakech, Morocco: International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), a prominent business-to-business event for the golf travel community, has re-launched in its 22nd year with a refreshed brand image and website, together with a new organising team from Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Taking place in Marrakech from October 14-17, this year’s event will be designed to further enhance the business opportunities for this leisure sector where the spend per head is 120% more in a destination than the average tourist, according to the latest Sports Marketing Survey report.

Reflecting the trends in golf vacations, IGTM will be widening the buyer attendance to reflect the rise of the millennial golfer, the increase in female golfers and emergence of golf for families. 

“With 60 million golfers worldwide – eighth million of them in Europe, and 70% of all golf travellers looking for somewhere new to go each time they organise a golf break, IGTM is growing year on year to accommodate not only new suppliers, new destinations and dmc’s, but also similarly growing the number of buyers so that they reflect the trends in buyer preferences. 

“Tour Operators report a year on year increase of 5% (IAGTO Report) which supports the positioning of growth reflected at IGTM as the leading travel industry event,” said David Todd, Event Manager, IGTM.

More than 500 golf tourism suppliers will join 400+ pre-qualified buyers and international media for four days of pre-scheduled appointments, networking and education sessions.

Just some of the brands already signed up include PGA Catalunya Resort (Spain), Penha Longa Resort (Portugal), Costa Navarino (Greece), Sheraton Cascais (Portugal), Double Tree by Hilton Emporda Golf & Spa Resort (Spain), Rovos Rail (South Africa), Barcelo Montecastillo (Spain), Clube de Golf Alcanada (Mallorca).

Adel Elkafir, CEO Moroccan National Tourist Office, welcomes IGTM to Marrakech. He said: “Golf here is more than just a sport or activity – it’s a genuine experience. From the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic and the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco currently has over 40 golf courses to challenge even the most experienced golfers. We are delighted to be a partner to IGTM this year and welcome all participants in what we call overwhelming Marrakech and beyond.”

Referring to the new look and feel of IGTM, Todd outlined the key business objectives behind the brand design. “It’s time for change with the event coming of age and in its 22nd year we have designed a fresh look that will bring the industry’s leading international golf travel event into the 21st century.

“Along with the re-brand is a shift in the experience we will be delivering to all participants, driven by the core objective of business opportunities for everyone, so keep up to date with all the innovations via the new website www.IGTMarket.com.”

Some of the changes taking place this year include: educational content sessions to help participants understand and grow their golf business as well as the trends and insights research presented during IGTM. On the media side, there will be networking opportunities with international journalists representing not only leisure travel publications and golf titles, but influencers and online media attending to research what’s relevant and new in the industry.