European Tour Properties, the network of world class golf venues operating under the umbrella of the European Tour, was prominent last week during the annual International golf Travel Market (IGTM) which took place in the golfing hotspot of Antalya, Turkey.

IGTM is the premier event for the golf travel industry with more than 600 golf tourism suppliers joining 350 pre-qualified buyers and 140 international media for four days of pre-scheduled appointments, networking opportunities and industry updates.

This year’s event was held at Belek, situated on the Mediterranean coast in Antalya, which is one of four European Tour Destination projects located in key strategic golf markets. There are, additionally, six European Tour Courses in the overall portfolio, all  of whom were represented at the travel market within the European Tour Properties stand.

European Tour Properties offers all its member venues the opportunity each year to send a delegate to IGTM and take advantage of the appointments schedule and free networking sessions available at the event.

The industry-only event is recognised for offering an unmatched number and concentration of industry buyers such as tour operators and airlines and industry sellers such as golf clubs and resorts from all key golf markets worldwide.

David MacLaren, The European Tour’s Director of Property and Venue Development, led the team on the Tour Properties Stand during the week, with support from Sandra Ruttle and Valerie Steele from the Tour’s Property division,  Henry Fairweather of London Golf Club, Michael Schumann of Fleesensee and Jeremie Bazerque of Golf National. 

PGA Catalunya Resort (Spain), Quinta do Lago (Portugal) and Terre Blanche (France) – the newest Destination in the network - were also represented at the Exhibition on their own stands, as well as within the central European Tour Properties hub.

During three days of intensive networking with courses, resorts, hotels, tourist boards and other industry-related organisations, followed by a Gala Award Dinner on Thursday, the Tour Properties team was able to focus on the business opportunities available through The European Tour Properties division.

MacLaren hailed the IGTM as a huge success and commented: “We have exhibited at the International Golf Travel Market for several years now, as we believe that it offers us unparalleled opportunity for our partner-venues  to meet travel companies keen to bring golfers  to world-class venues with an alignment to the European Tour. The Exhibition also offers an opportunity to meet with venues interested in joining our international Network.”