Among the first-time exhibitors for this year is Qatar, with Michael Braidwood, general manager, Discover golf in Qatar, commenting: There is a lot of intrigue and interest in Qatar at the moment so it is important we keep the momentum going, and we see IGTM as a very important forum to meet with global tour operators and industry media”

Alongside Qatar, another emerging Middle East golf destination, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, will this year host the Road to Ras Al Khaimah - the European Challenge Tours grand finale - and will be using IGTM to further develop its market position.

Mohamed Khater, assistant director of tourism development, Ras Al Khaimah, said, “with its combination of year-round sunshine, world-class golfing facilities and diverse hotel offerings, Ras Al Khaimah is fast becoming known as a major player in the Middle East golf tourism market.

IGTM provides the perfect platform to help us increase awareness of the destination and introduce it to new potential international partners.”

Other new destinations attending this year include Finland, Oman and New Zealand.

More than 600 exhibiting delegates, including national and regional golf tourism organisations and leading resorts and golf courses are expected to exhibit at the four-day event, taking place at the The GR Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from October 15 – 18.