"We're extremely proud to be able to show our destination to the world golf travel industry, as many have not visited yet. We want Slovenia to be included in the offer of global golf tour operators as a golf destination," said the head of the Golf Tourism Association (GIZ Golf), Žiga Osterc.

Slovenia has proven once again it can compete with top golf destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Turkey, he added.

"While all golf courses in the world are beautiful, ours, ranging from Alpine valleys, Pannonian plains and vineyards to the exceptional natural beauty of Lipica, are something special," stressed Economy Ministry State Secretary Eva Štravs Podlogar as Ljubljana was announced as the host in Cannes on Tuesday.

The event organised by the STO and Giz Golf in association with the Ljubljana tourism authority Turizem Ljubljana, will be held in Slovenia's capital between 15 and 18 October next year.

The IGTM is held by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, which picks a different destination every year.

In addition to golf tour operators, golf resort operators, golf course operators and other industry experts around 100 specialised media outlets from 65 countries attend the event every year, the STO has said.