International Association of Golf Tour Operators

Mark Your Calendars: IAGTO Reveals 2025 Event Lineup Across Three Continents

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IAGTO has unveiled its schedule for global golf tourism conventions in 2025, featuring events in Vietnam, Spain, and the United States.The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) has unveiled its schedule for global golf tourism conventions in 2025, featuring events in Vietnam, Spain, and the United States. These conventions aim to connect golf tour operators, resorts, courses, and tourism boards, fostering collaboration and growth within the industry.

Tee Times Golf Agency participated in the 2024 IAGTO European Convention (IEC) and the North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC), reinforcing our position as a leader in the golf tourism industry. In addition to our dynamic participation in the Malaga and Michigan events, we showcased our complete golf holiday packages and our ability to connect with key players in the market.

The 11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) will take place in Danang, Vietnam, from April 2 to 4, 2025. AGTC is a key platform for professionals focusing on the Asian golf market, offering networking opportunities and insights into regional trends. Danang, renowned for its picturesque coastline and world-class golf courses, provides an ideal backdrop for this gathering.

Following AGTC, the 3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) will be held in Gran Canaria, Spain, from May 19-21, 2025. IEC concentrates on European and African golf destinations, bringing together industry stakeholders to discuss market developments and establish partnerships. Gran Canaria’s diverse landscapes and esteemed golf facilities make it a fitting venue for this convention.

Concluding the series, the 16th North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC) is scheduled for June 17-19, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. NAC emphasises golf tourism within the Americas, providing a platform for suppliers and buyers to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations. Birmingham, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and proximity to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, offers a compelling setting for this event.

Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to delivering productive and enjoyable conventions catering to golf destinations and outbound markets. He emphasised that each event is tailored to the specific needs of its region, attracting golf tour operators who specialise in those destinations. Walton also noted that appointments at these conventions are scheduled based on mutual agreement, ensuring valuable interactions between buyers and suppliers.

Registration for these conventions has been open to IAGTO members, with over 600 delegates signed up across all three events. This enthusiastic response underscores the industry’s eagerness to engage in these global gatherings. IAGTO continues to play a pivotal role in connecting golf tourism professionals, fostering growth, and promoting collaboration within the industry.

For more information on IAGTO’s upcoming conventions and membership details, interested parties can visit the organisation’s official website.

Tee Times IAGTO commitment

Through events like the IAGTO conventions, Tee Times Golf Agency continues to demonstrate our commitment to growth, innovation, and unparalleled customer service in the golf tourism sector.

Established in 1993, Tee Times has been synonymous with excellence in golf tourism, offering tailored packages that cater to every golfer’s dream. Whether you’re seeking the lush fairways of Portugal or the sun-kissed greens of Spain, Tee Times provides meticulously crafted experiences. Our services include seamless bookings for tee times, luxury accommodations, and exclusive access to some of Europe’s most prestigious golf courses designed to create unforgettable golf holidays.

IAGTO Awards 2024: recognising the best in European golf tourism

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The 24th edition of the exclusive annual IAGTO Awards, focusing on the European and African sectors, was recently announced at the IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Malaga, Spain. These prestigious distinctions, determined by the votes of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) members, honour the exceptional service provided by golf courses, resorts, inbound operators, and golf destinations over the past Year. The 2024 recipients, including Madrid, Cadiz, La Cala Resort, and Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf, come from Spain, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, Portugal, Greece, and Scotland.

During the Opening Address of the IEC, Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO, proudly announced the ten winners of these highly esteemed awards. Walton stated, “Golf tour operators responsible for 90% of all international golf tourism organised travel have once again focused worldwide attention on a handful of suppliers and destinations that delivered the best possible experience to their golf travelling clients over the past 12 months.” This global recognition underscores the influence and reach of the IAGTO Awards.

Madrid, Golf Destination of the Year European (City).

The Asia Pacific Awards were revealed in March, and the awards for North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean will be announced in June.

For over three decades, Tee Times Golf Agency has been a key player in offering the best golf and tourism packages for those seeking exceptional Portugal and Spain golf holidays. As a long-standing partner of IAGTO, Tee Times has played an active role in promoting golf tourism, contributing significantly to the industry.

La Cala Resort, Golf Resort of the Year for Spain.

IAGTO Awards winners of the year

We are thrilled to acknowledge this Year’s award winners, who are among our premier golf destinations: Madrid, as European City Golf Destination of the Year, known for its world-class golf courses and vibrant city life; Cadiz, as Southern European Golf Destination of the Year, renowned for its stunning coastal views and challenging golf courses; La Cala Resort, as Golf Resort of the Year for Spain, offering a unique combination of luxury and natural beauty; and Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf, as Golf Resort of the Year for Portugal, a golfer’s paradise with its championship courses and top-notch facilities.

Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf, Resort of the Year for Portugal.

Cádiz, Golf Destination of the Year for Central & Southern Europe.

Tee Times Golf Agency extends its congratulations to all the winners of the IAGTO Awards 2024 and expresses its sincere gratitude for their continued collaboration. We look forward to our ongoing partnership in providing outstanding services for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Photos by: © IAGTO – Peter Ellegard

2024 IAGTO European Convention: meeting with colleagues and friends

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Four remarkable days in Malaga. With the same enthusiasm our team brings to their daily work, Tee Times Golf Agency participated in the 2024 IAGTO European Convention (IEC), a testament to our unwavering commitment to the golf tourism market.

Carlos Ferreira, CEO and founder of Tee Times, and Jorge Diogo, Director of Sales and Marketing, represented the agency at the convention. Held from May 13-15 on the Costa del Sol, this event is recognized as the premier golf tourism trade meeting in Europe, attracting around 750 delegates from across the globe.

The 2024 IAGTO European Convention, held at the FYCMA Exhibition Centre, is renowned for its innovative approach to networking, offering two days of pre-scheduled 20-minute meetings. Unlike traditional forced appointments, this unique format allowed parties to connect with key stakeholders and potential partners more organically and productively, underscoring the value of the event.

IAGTO European Convention Golf Tournament

Ferreira and Diogo’s active participation extended beyond the meeting rooms, demonstrating Tee Times Golf Agency’s deep-rooted passion for golf. They not only participated in the IEC Golf Tournament, showcasing their skills, but also finished third in the contest played in Real Guadalhorce on a team with Domingo Gavira and Ignácio Sanchez, a testament to our team’s talent and dedication.

The Welcome Cocktail Receptions on May 13 and the IEC Celebration Dinner on May 14 offered additional avenues for networking in a more relaxed setting. These events, filled with engaging conversations and shared experiences, further solidified relationships with peers and potential clients, demonstrating our commitment to building strong and lasting connections in the industry.

The 2024 IAGTO European Convention in Malaga was a key event for Tee Times Golf Agency. It highlighted the company’s active engagement and influential presence in the golf tourism market, offering since 1993 incredible packages and breaks for those looking for their best Portugal and Spain golf holidays.