IGTM 2021 brings international golf tourism industry to Wales

RX (Reed Exhibitions), the organiser behind IGTM (International Golf Travel Market), hosted the first international face to face meeting of the golf travel industry for the past two years, and for the first time in the UK, at the ICC Wales and Celtic Manor Resort, 18-21 October. Approximately 200 tour operators, travel agents and concierge companies were in attendance from 30 countries including Golfbreaks (UK), Leadingcourses.com (Netherlands) and Women on Fairways (US). Attendees met with a similar number of golf courses, resorts, hotels, tourist boards and DMCs showcasing destinations such as Wales, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Catalonia, France, and Italy, Portugal, Spain and Qatar. Over 7,000 meetings took place and attendees took part in networking events including the official IGTM golf tournament at Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten, Royal Porthcawl, The Vale and St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club. Ian Edwards, chief executive, Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales, 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 ever 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, added: “We are delighted that this event moves to Italy next year, also home to the 2023 Ryder Cup, at Marco Simone Championship course. IGTM will follow this event on 17-20 October. We will be based in Rome and details of the IGTM golf tournament and programme for the event will be released over the coming months.”