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Tourism Ireland Showcases Island’s Golf Excellence at IGTM Cannes Driving Global Visitor Growth
Published on
October 23, 2025
Tourism Ireland is intensifying its efforts to attract international golf travelers, showcasing the island’s premier golfing experiences at this year’s International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in Cannes. The event, widely regarded as the leading global marketplace for golf tourism, gathers more than 1,300 golf travel professionals who shape and sell golf holidays worldwide.
This year, Tourism Ireland has brought together eighteen of the island’s top golf and tourism operators, representing a diverse range of premium golf courses, resorts, and tourism experiences. These companies are taking full advantage of the four-day event to connect with the global golf travel community through pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings and networking sessions. These interactions are crucial in negotiating and finalizing contracts for 2026, positioning Ireland as a must-visit golf destination for international travelers.
The Ireland stand is expected to host over 900 commercial meetings throughout the week, highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the global golf tourism market. By offering unparalleled links courses, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, Ireland continues to differentiate itself as a premier golfing destination that seamlessly combines sport with world-class hospitality.
Tourism Ireland’s participation in IGTM reflects a broader strategy to expand the country’s appeal to high-value travelers who seek both luxury and authentic experiences. The engagement with golf travel professionals from multiple international markets ensures that Ireland remains top-of-mind for golfers planning their future trips, while simultaneously supporting local businesses across the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Beyond business meetings, the event provides an opportunity for Irish operators to showcase the distinctive qualities of Ireland’s golfing destinations, from historic courses steeped in tradition to cutting-edge resort facilities. This hands-on exposure not only strengthens international partnerships but also reinforces Ireland’s reputation as a destination capable of delivering memorable, world-class golf experiences.
As Tourism Ireland continues to champion the island’s golf offerings, the participation of these eighteen operators at IGTM underscores the collective ambition to grow visitor numbers and cement Ireland’s status as a leading global golf tourism destination. The outcomes of these interactions are anticipated to have a lasting impact on tourism growth, supporting the local economy while promoting Ireland’s unique blend of sport, scenery, and culture to a worldwide audience.
With golf tourism increasingly recognized as a high-value segment, Tourism Ireland’s proactive approach at IGTM demonstrates a clear vision: to position Ireland not just as a travel destination, but as a premier golfing haven where every round of golf is accompanied by breathtaking landscapes and an unforgettable cultural experience.
Aisling McDermott, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Global Partnerships, said:“IGTM is a fantastic opportunity to highlight our world-class golf to influential golf travel professionals, negotiate new business and secure international golf visitors for the island of Ireland in 2026 and beyond. Our message is that Ireland offers international golfers the complete package – with some of the very best golf in the world, as well as spectacular scenery, fantastic experiences and warm hospitality.
“We’re also taking every opportunity to highlight the fact that the Walker Cup will take place in Lahinch and the Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg next year and, of course, that the Ryder Cup will take place at Adare Manor in 2027. Tourism Ireland will be pulling out all the stops to leverage the tourism potential of these important sporting events in our important golf markets around the world.”
