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International Golf Travel Market sees biggest numbers to date

International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) 2008 held at the Marbella Conference and Exhibition Centre started its first day of business networking by announcing its biggest show to-date. IGTM 2008 features over 700 exhibitor personnel, over 380 buyers and 100 international press. The diverse range of exhibitors, buyers and media has arrived from 63 countries covering five continents.

Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director states, "On the first day the extremely business focused atmosphere has reflected the positive and proactive attitude the golf tourism industry is displaying to overcome the current economic challenges. We have registered over 1300 golf tourism professionals to IGTM 2008 which strongly confirms that Andalucia is an ideal location for the world's golf tourism industry to meet."

IGTM welcomed Peter Walton, President & Chief Executive of IAGTO who began proceedings by conducting the IAGTO convention.  The main feature of this convention was to focus on how the world's golf tourism industry can better meet the challenges of the current economic environment.

Following this, the three days of the event focus on pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and social networking opportunities for buyers, exhibitors and press. 

Gert Bakker from First Class Travel, Netherlands states, "I always enjoy coming to International Golf Travel Market as having the opportunity to meet all the people at the event is always productive. The presentation this morning was extremely helpful and I will take many ideas back to my company in the Netherlands. The new networking opportunities throughout the event are good and are more practical for us as we are able to make more appointments with the people we really want to talk to."

The four day event culminates in the staging of the Gala Dinner featuring the prestigious IAGTO Awards which take place on the evening of Thursday 20 November.

For further information on International Golf Travel Market go to www.igtm.co.uk

November 19, 2008