Reception for all delegates and the traditional IAGTO-style Farewell Fiesta .
Speaking about what it takes to create practically useful meeting environments , Walton said : “ What underpins everything we do is the close relationship we have with our members throughout the year . We understand how the golf tourism industry is evolving and what the priorities are for individual companies at any given time . Our events are simply a reaction to this , and they too change and evolve every year .”
“ We also have incredibly good working relationships with over 100 tourism boards . To bring an event of this size , and to enable it to return , requires a tremendous amount of support and commitment from partner institutions . For IEC 2023 we had three superb anchor sponsors – the tourist boards of Andalucía and Costa del Sol along with the Marbella Town Hall , in addition to event-function sponsors including the Royal Andalucian Golf Federation .”
Delegates were welcomed by officials from the host destinations .
Deputy Minister of Tourism , Culture and Sports of Andalucía , Don Victor González told them :
“ Andalucia ' s relationship with IAGTO , given the relevance of the destination in the field of golf travel , is close , fruitful , long-lasting and I would almost dare to say historic . This event is equally noteworthy as an example of public-private collaboration between the institutions and organizations involved , that we all work in the same direction to promote the development of an essential activity for the region .”
Marbella Mayor Angeles Muñoz said : “ We are convinced that this event will not only have a significant impact on our promotion as a golf destination but , together with the forthcoming Solheim Cup , will be a great boost for our Marbella brand .”
Renee Kachler , Director of Business Development for the Costa del Sol Tourism Board , said : “ With over 70 golf courses distributed across the Costa del Golf , making up 67 % of the golf courses in Andalucía , the Costa del Sol is one of the most important golf destinations in the world . Golf is therefore very important to us . It is a segment that has a significant economic impact on the destination , not only golf clubs but also hotels , restaurants and service companies .”
Pablo Mansilla , President of the Royal Andalucian Golf Federation , said : “ Revenue of 2,200 million euros every year result from golf related activities in Andalucía , with more than 50,000 people employed directly and indirectly with golf .” “ That ’ s mainly because of you ,” he told delegates . “ It ’ s mainly because you keep sending visitors to Andalucía .”
IEC 2024 will take place from 13-15 May in Málaga .
ABOUT IAGTO Established in 1997 , IAGTO ' s membership comprises almost 2,500 accredited golf tour operators , golf resorts , hotels , golf courses , receptive operators , airlines , tourist boards , approved media and business partners in 90 countries including , at its core , 675 specialist golf tour operators in 61 countries . IAGTO ’ s operators control over 90 % of golf holiday packages sold worldwide and turnover
more than € 2.5 billion per year .
www . iagto . com
6 DestinationGolf . travel