Review on AGTC 2017: The "Golden" Chance for Vietnam's Golf Tourism Development 12:00, 10/05/2017

After two days ( May 8-9) of exciting activities with thousands of transactions between Buyers and Suppliers coming from 36 countries around the world, the 6th AGTC held in Danang, Vietnam by IAGTO has been closed successfully with a Golf Tournament for the Event's Delegates to play at Ba Na Hills Golf Club on May 10, and also opened up new opportunities for golf tourism development in Vietnam.

Golf Fam Trip held for AGTC's delegates at Ba Na Hills Golf Club/ Credit: VGM

As the main activity of Asia Golf Tourism Convention 2017 (AGTC), in two days May 8-9 Buyers and Suppliers from countries around the world, who are golf travel operators, golf courses, airlines, hotels, resorts and logistics services, have met with each others and carried out transaction sessions.

Accordingly, there are 170 transaction desks for 170 sellers from countries like Vietnam,Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, Philippines, China, India, England, Germany, etc. More than 650 delegates from 36 countries, including 240 Buyers, who are representatives of world-renowned travel companies, golf courses, newspapers from Korea (37 representatives), China (33 representatives) , Singapore (14 representatives), Japan and Hong Kong (8 representatives), Europe (52 representatives), Australia and New Zealand (22 representatives), USA (6 representatives) have met and successfully connected.

According to IAGTO's Chairman, Mr.Peter Walton, golf tourism has become a high revenue-generating market, providing employment opportunities, as well as chances for golf destinations. IAGTO's statistics show that there are currently 56 million golfers worldwide and golf tourism is ranked third in Motivational Spend in Asia. 169 companies in 41 countries have been exploring golf tourism in Asia and they also want to expand their market in Vietnam with a target of increasing buyers in Vietnam by 50%. In addition, a golf traveler spends 120% more per person per day in destination than a general leisure tourist. IAGTO estimates that by 2018-2019, Da Nang of Vietnam will increase its tourism revenues to $ 20 million per year after implementing the Golf Tourism Strategy which is transferred to Danang city by IAGTO.

In addition to meeting and transaction sessions among Buyers and Suppliers, there were also many interesting activities such as product and service surveys, communications, golf tournament and fam trips, etc. that contributes to promote the development of the golf tourism industry in Danang particularly and Vietnam generally.

Typically on May 10, the last day of AGTC 2017, around 300 representatives are engaged in exciting activities at Ba Na Hills and Mongomerie Links. They enjoyed friendly golf rounds and improved the business relationships with tour agencies from Vietnam and foreign countries.
Most of the international buyers coming to Vietnam for the first time were impressed with the beauty of the beaches, the development of the city, the hospitality of the people and the class of the golf courses. After the event, Da Nang will definitely become a "hot" golf destination. The revenue from tourism in Da Nang is expected to increase by $20 million annually.

Review on AGTC 2017 with following nice photos by VGM:

Welcome Gala Dinner AGTC 2017 on May 7 night: