Home » France Travel News » International Golf Travel Market 2025 Set to Transform Cannes Into the Epicenter of Global Golf Tourism With 1,300 Delegates and 450 Exhibitors from 50 Nations
Published on
October 19, 2025
International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) 2025 is set to drive Cannes, France to become the global capital of golf tourism when more than 1,300 delegates, representing 50 countries and 450 exhibitors gather in the market. The landmark event, to be held in October, will unite some of the world’s best golf resorts, tour operators, destination-marketers and golf industry influencers at a time of unprecedented global collaboration. With its appointment show style, film narrative and region-wide hosting of VIP FAM trips, IGTM 2025 focuses on real business opportunities, global insight and maximising the potential of European golf travel.
The International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) 2025 will be held in Cannes, France, it has been announced, a significant landmark for the world’s premier event for the golf tourism industry. Attendance IGTM 2025 is anticipated to attract more than 1,300 participants including 450 exhibitors with an elite group of buyers and visitors from 50 countries – featuring the likes of the USA, UK, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Thailand and more.
The 2025 IGTM will be held from 20-23 October and is the premier global event for the golf travel industry. This invitation-only gathering of golf travel’s global influentials combines 3 days of pre-scheduled meetings between golf resorts, clubs, hotels, operators and MICE buyers and suppliers alongside optional competitive social events and an exclusive conference manifesto designed to narrow the competition.
The Core of IGTM: Pre-Scheduled Meetings That Drive Results
Unlike typical trade shows, IGTM’s power lies in its appointment-driven format, which enables highly targeted and productive meetings between tourism stakeholders. Each attendee receives a personalized agenda featuring up to 40 one-on-one, pre-scheduled meetings with verified business partners.
Buyers include specialist golf travel agents, tour operators, and decision-makers with direct purchasing power. Exhibitors range from luxury golf resorts and signature courses to regional tourism boards and destination marketing organizations.
These structured interactions allow for more meaningful discussions and commercial outcomes than traditional networking setups, helping participants maximize their return on investment.
An Invitation-Only Network of Global Golf Travel Experts
All attendees at IGTM 2025 are either invited or vetted in advance to ensure that each participant brings value to the table. This makes the event a curated platform of senior-level professionals and organizations focused specifically on golf-related tourism products and experiences.
Buyers must demonstrate an active role in creating golf travel packages or directing group golf tours. On the supply side, exhibitors must offer services or experiences directly tied to the golfing sector, such as:
Signature championship golf coursesGolf-inclusive luxury resort staysGolf destination packagesRegional golf tourism alliances
This strict qualification process ensures that the event remains laser-focused on high-quality business generation.
IGTM Golf Day 2025: Golfing Meets Networking on the Riviera
One of the most celebrated traditions of IGTM is the Golf Day, which kicks off the event on October 20, 2025. This signature occasion provides attendees with the unique opportunity to network on the fairway, forging professional bonds in a relaxed yet elegant setting.
IGTM 2025 will feature its Golf Day across four premier courses in the French Riviera:
Le Château and Le Riou at Terre Blanche – Both are award-winning, European Tour-level courses in a luxury golf resort environment.Golf d’Opio-Valbonne – A scenic course known for its Mediterranean landscapes and playability.Golf de la Grande Bastide – A modern layout ideal for both social networking and competitive play.
Course assignments are planned to distribute buyers, exhibitors, and media evenly to enhance interaction opportunities across all stakeholder groups.
Key Themes of IGTM 2025
IGTM is not just about buying and selling golf travel packages—it’s a space where industry trends, business strategies, and consumer insights come to the forefront. Key themes for the 2025 edition include:
Sustainability in golf tourism: Discussions will highlight eco-conscious travel practices and golf course conservation methods.Technology and innovation: From tee-time booking platforms to AI-based travel planning, IGTM will showcase the digital tools shaping the future of golf tourism.Emerging destinations: Participating countries and new exhibitors will spotlight under-discovered golf markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.Luxury travel trends: Insight sessions will examine how golf travel intersects with wellness, culinary, and high-end leisure experiences.Media Powerhouses Supporting IGTM
The event is supported by key global media partners who provide unmatched industry insights, audience reach, and coverage:
Today’s Golfer: The UK’s top golf publication, helping travelers and players choose the best golf experiences worldwide.Sporting Insights: Formerly known as Sports Marketing Surveys, this analytics company provides data-backed narratives that shape strategic tourism decisions.Ultratravel: A leader in luxury travel media, highlighting premium golf resorts and upscale experiences.Golf Business Technology Conference: While its 2026 edition is still upcoming, its presence underscores IGTM’s commitment to digital transformation in golf tourism.
These partners contribute to a comprehensive media program during IGTM, which includes press briefings, feature stories, product showcases, and real-time social media engagement.
Accessibility and Travel Options for IGTM Delegates
For attendees arriving from around the world, Cannes offers excellent accessibility via air, rail, and road.
While Cannes Mandelieu Airport is dedicated primarily to private and charter flights, many IGTM VIPs and media personnel choose it for its proximity and privacy. Located just 5 km from the city center, this airport offers:
Ramp-side car accessPremium business loungesFast-track immigration services
Most commercial travelers will arrive through Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, which offers regular flights operated by global carriers including:
Air France: France’s flagship airline with extensive European and intercontinental connections.Qantas: Australia’s national carrier, offering long-haul service and strategic codeshares for Asia-Pacific delegates.
Both airports provide easy transfers to Cannes via shuttle, private vehicle, or luxury transfer services.
Accommodations Tailored for IGTM Delegates
Cannes boasts a range of luxury hotels ideally suited for IGTM delegates seeking comfort, style, and proximity to the venue.
JW Marriott Cannes
For delegates seeking five-star sophistication just steps from the event venue, JW Marriott Cannes is a top choice. Located directly on Boulevard de la Croisette, this luxurious hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the Palais des Festivals, making it perfect for attendees with a packed meeting schedule.
Mondrian Cannes
For a unique blend of design, serenity, and prime location, Mondrian Cannes stands out as one of the most stylish accommodations during IGTM 2025. Also located on Boulevard de la Croisette, the hotel occupies the historic site of the Grand Hôtel and is the only hotel on the Croisette with its own private 4,000 m² garden—a rare and peaceful retreat amid the bustling Riviera.
Eden Hotel & Spa Cannes
Located just 200 meters from the Croisette and a short walk from the IGTM venue, Eden Hotel & Spa presents an ideal blend of comfort, wellness, and business utility for IGTM delegates. This 4-star property is perfect for attendees looking for a central, well-appointed hotel without the formality of five-star properties.
Local Highlights: Golf-Focused Leisure in Cannes
Though IGTM is a business-focused event, attendees are encouraged to enjoy the rich cultural and leisure offerings Cannes provides—especially those with ties to the luxury golf lifestyle.
La Croisette: This iconic seaside boulevard offers fine dining, high-end shopping, and serene strolls—ideal for post-event relaxation.Palais des Festivals et des Congrès: The host venue for IGTM, it also houses the Cannes Film Festival, providing cultural flair to IGTM’s business environment.Z Plage: For those looking to unwind by the sea, this luxury beach club is a favorite among event delegates, offering reserved cabanas and Mediterranean cuisine.
These attractions help position Cannes as a premium destination that mirrors the elite nature of golf travel itself.
A Future-Forward Platform for Golf Tourism
As the golf travel industry undergoes transformation in a post-pandemic era, IGTM 2025 will serve as a launching pad for innovation, recovery, and renewed global connections. From the rise of young golfers in emerging markets to the integration of smart technologies in golf resort experiences, IGTM acts as both a showcase and a think tank.
With increased demand for bespoke golf vacations, multi-generational travel, and eco-luxury experiences, the timing and setting of this year’s event could not be more ideal.
The International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) 2025 will turn Cannes into the global hub of golf tourism, drawing over 1,300 delegates and 450 exhibitors from 50 countries to foster industry growth and international collaboration.
Invite-only, appointment-led and extremely focused on innovation, sustainability and the continuation of the global dialogue, IGTM 2025 in Cannes will be the biggest and boldest edition of the world’s leading golf travel trade event to date. With networking on championship fairways at Golf Day through to one on one discussions with buyers and media in the heart of the French Riviera, the gathering will equip the industry to drive the future of golf tourism. The perfect venue to grow business, meet new trade partners and advance golf as a preeminent global travel experience, IGTM 2025 in Cannes with its beautiful setting, exclusive hotels, easy to reach airports and cultural wealth.