Golf around the world: From Azerbaijan to Terras da Comporta in Portugal
For the 25th anniversary of the largest golf trade fair in our latitudes, 47 countries, from Thailand to Azerbaijan, USA to South Africa, Malaysia to Saudi Arabia and Ireland to Italy, gathered in Lisbon from October 16 to 19. This makes the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) the "place to be" for more than 450 suppliers on the golf tourism market, who in turn meet more than 380 pre-qualified buyers. The golf journalists also get a slice of the big cake.
In the meantime, the annual golf trade fair has become something of a family reunion. Even on the first day, people play golf together - it's a tradition. This year on the four courses Penha Longa, Quinta do Peru, Belas Clube de Campo and Lisbon Sports Club. Even if the weather wasn't exactly inviting, the fun factor with the "Florida scramble" prevailed and, after all, that's all that matters. One more thing to say about the Penha Longa course we played: founded in 1992, the course with its two courses "Atlantico" (18 holes) and "Mosteiro" (9 holes) has its roots in the foundations of a medieval castle, which may even have Roman origins. The green of the 6th hole of the Atlantico Course (442 m) is located in front of the relics of an old fortified tower and the castle wall. Mr. Trent Jones Jr has interwoven history and modern golf course architecture and created a golfing work of art that has been the venue for the Portuguese Open on several occasions and is listed in the top 100 by Golf World. In addition to the luxurious 5-star hotel of the same name, the Michelin-starred Arola restaurant with "Chef" Sergi Arola is also one of the highlights here.
Who is the most beautiful in the whole country?
You meet old acquaintances, arrange to network, have a glass of wine together and are tempted by oversized golf posters and appealing films to have a chat on the stand. Because one thing is clear: if you do business with golf or travel, do it here. Countries such as South Africa with the famous Rovos Rail, Thailand with Tuscan golf layouts, the USA with Florida's first Golfcoast, Bali with dreamlike courses between rice fields and Los Cabos with golf courses worth millions between luxury hotels. Also new this year was the Azerbaijan Tourist Board with golf and culture, Slovakia with spectacular courses and Portugal as the organizer of the fair with the latest showpiece in the Alentejo, the Terras da Comporta - Dunas GC. And with such spectacular photos that you can't help but sign up for a round of golf straight away. But the focus is still on business, with 380 exhibitors offering plenty to talk about.
A completely new feature this year was the speed networking event, where 260 buyers' tables invited visitors to network - even without fixed appointments. Here, we still had the opportunity to talk to golf tour operators and forge ideas for stories. There were also the "Roundtable Appointments" in the Media Center, where you could make appointments explicitly with tourism organizations such as France, Gran Canaria, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Portugal - to name just a few.
Wellcome & Farewell
Anyone who thinks that the best "deals" can be made at the trade fair has not considered the two big parties. At the "Wellcome Party" in the Patio de Gale, a historic building with flair and plenty of space for new arrivals, the first dates were made over various cocktails, excellent wines and delicious finger food. The last chance for this is the Farewell Party at the end of the IGTM, which was particularly festive this year: in the Convento De Beato with a seated dinner, live music and dancing at the end of the event. We can look forward to next year, as IGTM 2024 will once again take place in Lisbon from October 28 to 31. We can once again look forward to "good news" from the "World of Golf".
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Text & photos: Elsa Honecker
