The International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), the premier global event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media, opened this morning in Belek, Antalya, Turkey. 

More than 1,200 delegates from 60 countries are attending the four-day event, in one of the fastest growing and most successful emerging golf destinations in the world. 

“What is especially exciting about this year’s event is the ratio between destinations, resorts and tour operators,” said Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager. 

“There is a high quality match that we believe will lead to a large volume of business being agreed, which is the specific objective of IGTM.” 

IGTM 2011 opened with an address from Abdullah Arici, Vice President of Turkey’s Ministry of Tourism, as well as representatives of organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions and Peter Walton, President of IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), IGTM’s show partner. 

All major established and emerging golf destinations in the world are represented at IGTM, with a growing presence from Asian countries, including China and Japan. 

Among the 400 exhibitors, those attending for the first time include the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the newly formed South Africa Golf Tourism Association, the Egypt Tourism Authority and Cyprus Tourism Organisation.  

This year’s event is the 14^th edition of the International Golf Travel Market.