The second annual IAGTO European Convention (IEC) has taken place in Andalucia’s Malaga City in the Costa del Sol, attracting 780 delegates for the largest golf tourism sales event that global golf tourism organisation IAGTO has staged in its 27-year history.
Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), said: “Our objective was to make IEC the most affordable, productive and enjoyable golf travel trade event for accredited golf tour operators selling golf destinations in Europe and Africa, and we achieved all of these goals. This was not simply our opinion but also that of the participating delegates.”
Walton added: “Last year we announced that Andalucia would become the Home of IEC, with the event scheduled to return to the region every two years, from 2026 onwards – and the response from golf destinations, golf tourism suppliers and golf tour operators has been terrific.
“The support of the tourist boards of Andalucia, Costa del Sol and Malaga City was central to the success of the convention, and we are all incredibly grateful for their long-term commitment to our golf tourism industry.”
IEC 2024 Málaga, held in May at the city's FYCMA Trade Fairs and Congress Centre, was attended by 326 golf tourism suppliers from 28 countries across Europe and Africa and 284 IAGTO accredited golf tour operators from 35 countries, all selling golf vacations to these destinations.
IAGTO has announced that IEC 2025 will take place in Gran Canaria from 19-21 May, 2025.
COMMENTS FROM IEC PARTICIPANTS
“The convention itself has been first-class. The organisation has been immaculate from start to finish and the event has been structured in a way that enables us to effectively target the suppliers and destinations most relevant to our business.”
Chris McKeown, Product Manager, Golf Traveller, UK
"The organisation of this year’s event could not have been better, starting with the appointment diary, which was very easy to manage. The ability to directly book meetings with suppliers, as opposed to getting randomly allocated appointments, was extremely valuable."
Lindsay Alden, Operations Director, Cloud 9 Golf and Travel, USA
"As every year, IEC was an excellent opportunity to connect with current and potential partners and competitors. Two very intensive days came to an extremely efficient end thanks to the exceptional organisation. As always also the social program was perfectly arranged and coordinated."
Georges Müller, Owner, Sphinx Travel, Switzerland
PHOTOS
To download selected photos from the event, please click here.
END
About IAGTO
Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry, and has 2300 members in over 94 countries including more than 660 golf tour operator members in 69 countries, which are responsible for more than 90% of golf vacation packages sold worldwide and which collectively have annual sales of over US$ 2.5 billion. IAGTO runs three annual conventions spanning the globe, with events in Asia and North America in addition to IEC, along with regular Destination Conventions. IAGTO established the International Golf Travel Writers Association in 2000, the year in which the first prestigious annual IAGTO Awards also took place.
