More than 830 members of global golf tourism industry body IAGTO came together on Gran Canaria for the organisation’s 3rd International European Convention, making it the largest attendance of any IAGTO convention to date.
Held from 19-21 May at the ExpoMeloneras Convention Centre, around 8,700 meetings took place between golf tour operators and golf tourism suppliers from 52 countries over two days during IEC – charting the course of tour operators’ golf vacation offerings for the coming 18 months, predominantly in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton, said: “Gran Canaria was the perfect venue for this year’s event, and was the culmination of 20 years of IAGTO activities carried out in partnership with Gran Canaria Tourism. The event was fully booked three months in advance, with a waiting list of exhibitors who are eager to attend the convention in 2026 when IEC returns to Malaga City in Spain’s Andalucia.
“During the Opening Address, we focused our State of the Market presentation on a detailed analysis of the booking patterns of golf tour operators in Europe and North America taking reservations for golf vacations to Europe in both the summer and winter seasons.
“As always, Gran Canaria’s golf courses were in incredible condition – a great showcase for the 70 golf tour operators experiencing the island for three days prior to the business end of the event, and for the 320 delegates who played four courses during the IEC Golf Tournament.”
Speaking at the Opening Address, Gran Canaria President Antonio Morales highlighted the island’s economic viability, sustainability and social responsibility.
He said: “Regarding the future of this sector, the Island Council maintains its goal of diversifying the tourism offering, specialising in segments that contribute to improving the living conditions of islanders, and consolidating our global image as a place where important events such as the World Rally Championships and the 2030 FIFA World Cup are held. Nature is our main resource and our calling card as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.
“Achieving these goals in the difficult times we are living in, with serious uncertainties about the economy, climate, and geopolitics, requires us to commit to sustainability in all activities carried out on the island. Therefore, we are implementing a major transformation in land management, the energy transition, and water sovereignty.
“Our commitment to the eco-island model will allow us to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels to desalinate the water that supplies the island, including its tourist establishments and golf courses. To this end, we are taking steps toward building a new and futuristic water and energy cycle, through solar, wind, offshore marine, geothermal, and hydroelectric storage facilities.”
Carlos Álamo, the Councillor for Tourism for Gran Canaria added: “Over the years, the importance of golf in the island's economy has done nothing but grow, becoming the perfect complement to our high-quality tourism offer.
“The game is indeed essential to our destination and has accompanied the development and evolution of tourism in Gran Canaria, at the same time as the tourist industry has flourished on the mainland.
“With Anfi Golf, Maspalomas Golf, the two courses at Salobre Golf, Las Palmeras Golf, The Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas and Meloneras Golf, Gran Canaria boasts seven courses designed by acclaimed professionals. They constitute truly peaceful oases, enabling visitors to enjoy all the calm and serenity needed to play the game in the open air every single month of the year.”
Next year’s IEC will take place in Malaga City, Spain, from 18-20 May 2026, with over 900 IAGTO delegates expected to attend. Registration for IEC 2026 will open in September.
PHOTOS
Photos of the IEC can be downloaded from this link.
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About IAGTO
Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry with over 2450 members in 93 countries including 723 golf tour operators in 69 countries, which are responsible for more than 90% of golf vacation packages sold worldwide. IAGTO runs annual conventions in Asia, Europe and North America in addition to the prestigious IAGTO Golf Tourism Awards.
