Martin Donnelly (Fáilte Ireland), Niall Finlay (Glasson Lakehouse, Westmeath), Lynn McCool (Glasson Lakehouse), Johnny Connaughton (Hodson Bay Group), and Joe Murphy (Fáilte Ireland).
The annual Ireland Golf Convention 2024 took place this week at Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort, hosted by Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
The event, which ran from Tuesday, October 1 until Thursday, October 3, saw 60 international buyers from key golf markets meet with over 80 golf industry including destination management companies, tour operators, hotels, golf clubs, golf resorts and transport providers from the island of Ireland for one-to-one appointments and networking opportunities.
At the conclusion of the convention, international buyers sampled the very best of what Wicklow and Ireland’s Ancient East has to offer the international golf visitor.
Business development manager for Failte Ireland Martin Donnelly said: “What sets Ireland apart internationally is the continued investment in upgrading and developing our golf product right across the country which is reflected in our host venue for this conference.
“This important week will see 1,590 contracting appointments delivered between our international operator guests and Irish suppliers, each and every one of which is an opportunity for the Irish industry to convert a sale and drive more high value golfing tourists to Ireland.
Director of golf at Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort Marcus Doyle aded: “We would like to thank Fáilte Ireland along with IAGTO for giving us the opportunity to host the Ireland Golf Convention in Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort located in Ireland’s Ancient East.
“Neville Hotels are on a journey of continuous development and growth. The Neville Family have completed significant investment projects in all our properties; including the Ireland Convention host property Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort.”
IAGTO chief executive Peter Walton said: “The Ireland Golf Convention has become the most anticipated and productive single-destination golf tourism sales event of the year. IAGTO’s 662 golf tour operator members are responsible for over 90pc of golf vacation packages sold worldwide, and 330 of these feature, promote and sell golf holidays to Ireland. The leading golf tour operators we have invited to the IGC this year come from 17 countries, including 19 from North America, 14 from the UK, 27 from European markets and one from Australia.”