Tag Archives: Peter Grimster

Golf Courses and resorts, Golf Shows, Golf Turism, Travel

IGTM – Re-introduction of speed networking session for 2018 edition

June 4, 2018 – International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) has announced that the 2018 edition of the world’s leading global B2B event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media will feature a speed networking session.

The Supplier meets Buyer programme, which last featured at IGTM in 2007, is designed to further enhance the business networking opportunities at the event, with registered buyers and exhibitors invited to take part in quick face-to-face meetings on Tuesday October 16.

Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager, said: “Nothing beats the opportunity to meet and do business face-to-face, and every year we strive to provide a platform for the global golf industry to network throughout the week of the event.  

“We spoke to a number of previous attendees and around 80% identified that they would like to increase the opportunities to network, so we decided to re-introduce the speed networking session in order to facilitate this.  

“Traditionally, the pre-scheduled appointment system at IGTM has been buyer-driven, but this Supplier meets Buyer programme will provide the golf resorts, clubs and tourist boards with the vital opportunity to network directly with the 400+ operators. 

“We are excited about this initiative, which is part of a number of new and enhanced ideas we are bringing to IGTM in 2018 to add value for buyers and exhibitors and to further expand the opportunities to conclude business at the event this October.”

More than 550 suppliers, including national and regional golf tourism organisations and leading resorts and golf courses are expected to attend and exhibit in 2018, meeting approximately 420 buyers and tour operators via IGTM’s pre-scheduled appointment system during the four-day event.

“The highest number of appointments we have previously had at an event was more than 14,500 in 2016, so with this year’s additional Supplier meets Buyer session we expect IGTM 2018 to facilitate a record breaking number of appointments for the global golf travel industry.”

This year’s appointment-based event will be staged at The GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, in Slovenia’s capital city, from October 15 – 18, 2018. Voted IAGTO Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year in 2015, Slovenia received more than 4.3 million tourists in 2016 and is gaining a burgeoning reputation as one of Europe’s fastest growing golf destinations.

More information at www.igtm.wtm.com.

Golf Shows, Golf Turism, Travel

IGTM – German golfers spend the most on their golf holidays, new research reveals

December 14, 2017 – German golfers spent more on their ‘non-domestic’ golf holidays in the last 12 months than their counterparts from the UK, France and Sweden, with an average spend of €2,041, a new survey has revealed.

The report produced by Sports Marketing Surveys Inc., the official research partner of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), was revealed today at the event and highlighted the average spend by German golfers has increased by 25% when compared with survey results from 2012.

Based on responses from more than 9,500 core golfers (those playing at least 12 times per year) across Europe’s four largest golf markets, the report also shows that German golfers booked longer golf breaks, with an average stay of 6.9 days.

French golfers spent the second most on their golf holidays, with an average spend of €1,777, an increase of 13% from 2012, and stayed 5.7 days, while Swedish golfers spent €1,080 with a stay of 6.6 days. UK golfers spent the least with an average spend of €946 per golf holiday, down 12% from 2012, and a length of stay of 5.8 days.

Commenting on the research, Peter Grimster, Exhibition Manager at Reed Travel Exhibitions, said: “As with the survey we commissioned in 2012, this 2017 report sheds a light on the behaviours of golfers from Europe’s largest golf markets. 

“While golfers from the UK and Sweden have reduced their average spend slightly over the last five years, the results clearly demonstrate the ongoing opportunities for tour operators to sell to an audience of core golfers, particularly in Germany and France, who continue to spend a considerable amount of money when they book their golf holidays.”  

The research also indicated that Spain remains the first choice of golf destination, with at least 14% of all golfers from each market visiting the country for a golf break in the last 12 months. The second most popular golf destination for golfers from the UK, Sweden and France was Portugal, while for German golfers, the second most visited destination was Austria, with 13.4% of people taking a golf holiday to the country in 2017.

The survey also asked golfers from all four countries to select potential emerging popular golf destinations, with South Africa, Turkey and Thailand all identified as key growth markets. Of the UK golfers surveyed, 39.1% identified Turkey as a key emerging market, while more than 24% of Swedish and German golfers chose South Africa as a place they would like to visit for a golf holiday in the future.

Peter Grimster added: “Although it has been a regular feature on the European Tour schedule for many years, it is interesting to see South Africa continue its emergence as a key market for European golfers. With a growing number of South African destinations exhibiting at the 2018 edition of IGTM, it is pleasing to know that IGTM continues to accurately reflect the global golf tourism industry.”

More information at www.sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com.

Golf Shows, Golf Turism, Travel

IGTM – Slovenia to host International Golf Travel Market 2018

December 7, 2017 – International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), the world’s premier global event for the golf tourism industry, has announced that its 2018 edition will be hosted in Slovenia’s capital city, the 2016 European Green Capital, Ljubljana.

The IAGTO Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year 2015 will welcome IGTM 2018 to The GR Exhibition and Convention Centre, located in the heart of Ljubljana, from October 15 – 18, 2018.

The fast-growing golf destination, which received more than 4.3 million tourists in 2016, has 13 golf courses, including Royal Bled Golf Course –  the oldest in Slovenia. Alongside a wealth of high quality hotels, the country is gaining a burgeoning reputation for gastronomic excellence, led by Ana Roš, who was named the World’s Best Female Chef at the 2017 World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

Žiga Osterc, President of the Golf Tourism Association in Slovenia, said: “We are very proud to have been selected as the host destination of IGTM 2018 and we look forward to welcoming the leading golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media from across the globe to Slovenia.

“We have invested significantly in the game of golf over the last 20 years and continue to see a growing number of international visitors who are drawn to the high standards of service and accommodation, good value for money and wide range of international-standard courses. 

“By hosting IGTM, visitors will be able to see for themselves why Slovenia is not only one of Europe’s emerging golf holiday destinations, but an unforgettable tourist experience as well.”

Ljubljana International Airport, located just a 25-minutes’ drive from the convention centre, has more than 210 scheduled flights every week direct to 27 destinations in 21 countries across Europe. It is serviced by a variety of airlines, including Air France, EasyJet, Finnair and Turkish Airlines.

Peter Grimster, Exhibition Manager, Reed Travel Exhibitions, added: “As the 2015 IAGTO Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year winner, we are confident Slovenia will be a perfect destination to host the world’s largest gathering of golf tourism professionals.

“The quality of the golf courses and resorts is outstanding and, combined with the excellent conference facilities in one of Europe’s most picturesque capital cities, we are confident that IGTM 2018 will be a huge success.”

The appointment-based event, organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, regularly attracts more than 400 buyers and over 550 golf travel suppliers, highlighting its reputation as the premier global event for the golf tourism industry.

Golf Shows, Golf Turism

Golf Shows – Cannes to showcase its golf attractions during 20th International Golf Travel Market

November 4, 2017 – Golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media attending the 20th edition of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) will experience first-hand why Cannes and the wider Provence and Cote d’Azur regions in southern France are so appealing to visiting golfers.

The landmark edition of IGTM, which will take place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès from December 11-14, 2017, will also highlight the opportunities for substantial golf tourism in one of Europe’s most glamorous golf destinations.

Named IAGTO Golf Destination of the Year – Europe, in 2010, the Provence and Cote d’Azur region has continued to develop its stature on the global golfing map and now boasts 69 golf courses, including one of continental Europe’s leading layouts, The Chateau, at Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort*****.

David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes and President of the Regional Tourism Committee (CRT) Côte d’Azur France, said: “With the variety of courses within the region and the mix of classic and modern architecture from some of the world’s leading course designers, we are able to meet the needs of every visiting golfer.  

“However, despite the abundance of golfing opportunities, there remains a huge, untapped potential within the region, as it remains better known for its culture, fashion, food and wine – all of which are essential elements for any golf break. 

“Alongside its status as one of the world’s leading event venues with its range of services and infrastructure, Cannes has a burgeoning reputation as one of Europe’s capitals of outdoor sports. IGTM will enable us to shine a spotlight on everything golfers can enjoy within the Provence and Cote d’Azur region and help consolidate our position as a perfect place to enjoy a memorable golfing experience.”

The appointment-based event will further highlight the opportunities for golf tourism growth, not only within the region, but, with the third highest number of courses in Europe behind the UK and Germany – over 600 in total – throughout France as well.

Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager, commented: “Our latest figures show that this year’s event is set to attract up to 420 buyers from across the globe, including a number of new buyers from the luxury and MICE sector, as well as more than 550 golf travel suppliers, highlighting Cannes’ broad appeal to everyone involved in the golf travel market.”

The 20th edition of IGTM will take place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, in the south of France, from December 11-14, 2017.

More information at igtm.wtm.com.

Golf Shows, Golf Turism

Golf Shows – IGTM sees substantial year-on-year growth in number of pre-registered buyers

September 13, 2017 – Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), have revealed a 6% year-on-year growth in buyer registrations for the 20th edition of the appointment-based event.

The latest figures show 396 buyers, the highest demand in the event’s 20-year history, have already registered to attend the exhibition, which will take place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, in the south of France, from December 11-14, 2017.

Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager, said: “It is particularly pleasing to see that IGTM continues to go from strength to strength and with over three months until the exhibition, IGTM 2017 is set to be the biggest yet.  

“Aside from the traditional markets, 20% of the buyers already registered are from long haul markets, with China, USA, South Korea, India and Brazil all represented, further demonstrating the fact that the event has now become a true reflection of the global golf industry.”

Over the four days of the world’s premier global event for the golf tourism industry, it is expected that approximately 15,000 pre-scheduled meetings will take place between buyers and the 550 golf travel suppliers and 100 specialised international media.

The 20th edition of IGTM, which returns to France for the first time since 2002, will not only showcase one of Europe’s most glamorous and accessible destinations, it will also provide a prelude to golf’s most prestigious team event, The 2018 Ryder Cup, which will take place at Le Golf National, on the outskirts of Versailles near Paris, France.

Golf Shows, Golf Turism, Travel

IGTM – Global golf tour operator sales grow for third consecutive year

IGTM-2014-01

October 29, 2014 – The 2014 International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), the premier global event for golf tourism, opened yesterday in Lake Como, Lombardy, northern Italy, with news that global golf tour operator sales grew by 11.1% in 2013 and by 21.4% over the two-year period 2012-2013, with further growth already expected for 2014.

In his keynote opening address, Peter Walton, Chief Executive of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), announced the figures and shared an optimistic outlook for the golf tourism industry. However, he also warned that golf destinations needed to implement properly funded strategies to secure sustainable golf tourism growth in the future.

“The responsibility for instigating a golf tourism strategy lies firmly at the door of the relevant tourist board or ministry of tourism. However, at a time when public sector bodies are overstretched and often cash-poor, a golf tourism strategy should not be seen as either onerous or costly, but rather, crucial,” said Peter Walton.

In order to assist its member golf destinations and to illustrate how all the elements of such a roadmap fit together, IAGTO also announced the publication of its Integrated Golf Tourism Strategy Blueprint, created from its unparalleled experience of developing golf tourism strategies for more than 30 countries and regions across the globe.

Mauro Parolini, Councillor for Commerce, Tourism and Tertiary for Regione Lombardia, added: “The 17th edition of IGTM is the first ever time the event has been held in Italy, in the Como area. It brings together a record number of buyers, 515 exhibitors from 55 countries and over 100 registered media. Over the four days of IGTM, we are also expecting approximately 13,000 meetings to take place.”

“This confirms just how dynamic a market golf is, and emphasises its great potential. This also underlines why Regione Lombardia, with its high number of courses and rich tourist appeal, has decided to invest in this segment, and we hope other Italian regions will follow suit and look to host a future event.”

IGTM-2014-02

Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager, said: “IGTM continues to be the platform from which the global golf tourism industry builds relationships, creates new business opportunities and discusses the key issues and opportunities that affect growth.”

“There is much for the golf travel industry to be positive about for 2015 and the news from IAGTO that global tour operator sales continue to rise is hugely encouraging, and presents many opportunities for exhibitors here this week.”

“I would also encourage everyone in the golf travel industry to study IAGTO’s Integrated Golf Tourism Strategy Blueprint, and digest the 10 steps it suggests golf destinations take to trigger future growth.”

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In his address, the Italian Golf Federation Vice President, Antonio Bozzi, reemphasised the important role IGTM has played in helping bring golf in Italy to the fore. He explained how the Federation and eight of Italy’s main golfing regions, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, have closely cooperated over the last ten years on the “Italy Golf & More” project, which aims to draw out the country’s huge, untapped potential for golf tourism.

Golf Shows, Golf Turism, Travel

IGTM – A research reveals that Spain continues to be the first golf destination

IGTM-Estudio-Golf-Europa

October 24, 2014 – Golfers in four key European markets take more golf breaks now than they did in 2009, according to new research. The survey, commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, organizers of the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), was conducted with core golfers (those playing at least 12 times per year) in the largest European golf markets: France, Germany, Sweden and the UK.

The research, conducted on behalf of IGTM by Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. in September 2014, found at least 50% of golfers in France (54%) and Germany (50%) take more golf breaks now than in 2009, while the figures for Sweden and the UK were 47% and 40% respectively.

The findings also indicate that Spain continues to be the first choice of golf destination in each of the country’s surveyed with at least 30% of golfers from France (30%), Sweden (42%) and the UK (36%), having been to Spain for a golf break in the last 12 months.

The second most popular golf destination for golfers surveyed in the UK and Sweden was Portugal with 23% and 13% respectively, while for the French it was Morocco (18%) and for Germans it was Austria (18%).

Commenting on the findings, IGTM Exhibition Manager, Peter Grimster, said: “The findings demonstrate the buoyant state of golf tourism at the present time and the opportunities for tour operators to sell to an audience of core golfers who are travelling for golf more frequently.”

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IGTM 2014 takes place in Italy on October 27-30, at the Villa Erba Exhibition and Conference Centre, on the banks of Lake Como, where a full presentation of the report’s findings will be made on Tuesday, October 28 at 14.55.