Newport, Wales: Exhibitors and buyers from the golf travel industry gathered at Celtic Manor Resort to attend the 2021 International Golf Travel Market (IGTM).

Organised by Reed Exhibitions, the three-day event, which was held in Celtic Manor’s ICC Wales, marked the first time that the United Kingdom has hosted IGTM, and also the first face-to-face meeting of the golf travel industry for the past two years.

Last year’s IGTM was held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Approximately 200 tour operators, travel agents and concierge companies were in attendance from 30 countries. They met with a similar number of the world’s top golf courses, resorts, hotels, tourist boards and DMCs showcasing destinations such as Wales, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Catalonia, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Qatar.

Although visitor and exhibitor numbers were down significantly on previous years due to travel difficulties caused by the pandemic, over 7,000 meetings took place over the three days, giving the golf travel industry a kick-start into 2022.

Attendees took part in a number of networking events, including the official IGTM golf tournament, where guests battled inclement weather to play rounds at Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course, Royal Porthcawl, The Vale and St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club.

Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales Chief Executive Ian Edwards said: “It has been a sight for sore eyes to see the exhibition hall at ICC Wales busy with exhibitors and delegates once again.

“Not only is this the first time the UK has held this prestigious global event, IGTM is also one of the first international industry events of any kind to return to the UK since the lifting of restrictions. It has been fantastic to meet up face-to-face once again and welcome so many visitors from around the world to Wales and show them our amazing facilities, both inside the convention centre and outside on our wonderful golf courses.”  

David Todd, Event Manager of IGTM, has announced that IGTM 2022 is to be hosted in Rome from October 17-20, ahead of Italy’s staging of the Ryder Cup in 2023.

He said: “We’re delighted that this event moves to Italy next year, also home to the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. Details of the programme for the event will be released over the coming months.”

Representing the host of IGTM 2022, Valentina Corrado, Councillor, Lazio Region, added: “IGTM will be a milestone on the road to Ryder Cup 2023, when the whole world will be looking at Lazio and Rome for the most important golf event in the calendar. We’re looking forward to showcasing all our destination has to offer to IGTM attendees next year.”