The annual Ireland Golf Convention 2024 was held at Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort from October 1 to October 3, organised by Fáilte Ireland and the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
The event featured 60 international buyers from key golf markets engaging with over 80 Irish golf industry representatives, including hotels, tour operators, and golf clubs, for networking and one-on-one appointments.
Business development manager Martin Donnelly highlighted that the convention facilitated 1,590 contracting appointments, aimed at attracting high-value golfing tourists to Ireland through ongoing investment and development in the country’s golf offerings.
The convention is regarded as a major event for golf tourism, with IAGTO reporting that their members account for over 90pc of global golf vacation packages sold, including significant promotion of golf holidays in Ireland.
Business development manager for Failte Ireland Martin Donnelly shared: “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.
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.
Director of golf at Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort Marcus Doyle shared: “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. 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.
IAGTO chief executive Peter Walton shared: 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. 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.”
