The annual Ireland Golf Convention 2024 got underway this week at Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort, County Wicklow, in Ireland’s Ancient East.
The event, which ran from Tuesday 1st October until Thursday 3rd October, was hosted by Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
The Ireland Golf Convention 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 Dublin and Ireland’s Ancient East has to offer the international golf visitor.
Martin Donnelly, Business Development Manager for Fáilte Ireland, said: “Fáilte Ireland along with the IAGTO was pleased to bring the Ireland Golf Convention to Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort. Ireland is already world-renowned for its high-quality tourism product. From championship links and parkland courses to numerous hidden gems, there is a course to suit golfers at every level, spread throughout Ireland. However, 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. We very much appreciate our long standing partnership with Peter Walton and his team at the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, who we work closely with on this project, to ensure the best performing operators from all our key markets join us this week and maximise the potential to fill the capacity Ireland has for long term growth.”
Marcus Doyle, Director of Golf, Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort, said: “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 & 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 & Golf Resort and we are really looking forward to showcasing that development and telling the international buyers this week, all about the other investments the group is making.
Peter Walton, Chief Executive IAGTO, 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 90% 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.”