Asian Golf Industry Federation organizes Golf Tourism Conference in Danang 04:50, 17/08/2022

The demand of visitors for Vietnam golf tourism is undeniable

According to AGIF, with Vietnam fully reopening and tourism returning, experts estimate that this will become an attractive golf tourism destination.

Mr. Mark Siegel, CEO of Golfasian Co., Ltd., said: “Demand is significantly increasing. I've said before that anyone who really wants to have a true golf tourism experience should come to Vietnam at least once in their life. With world-class golf courses constantly opening, I think I should correct that saying that you should come back to Vietnam at least once in a few years to feel the difference.”

Mr. Siegel will give a detailed presentation on development opportunities for Danang to become an attractive golf tourism destination at the AGIF Golf Conference on August 30.

The Asian Development Tour has operated since 2010, as a stepping stone to the first-class arena of the Asian Tour, similar to the Korn Ferry Tour of the US PGA Tour or the Challenge Tour of the European DP World Tour. Since 2013, Asian Development Tour tournaments are scored on the World Professional Ranking (OWGR). The history of this arena so far has recorded Tran Le Duy Nhat as the first Vietnamese to win the championship, at the Ciputra Golfpreneur Tournament 2015.

Organized by the Danang Department of Tourism and BRG Group, the AGIF Golf Conference also focuses on sustainability in golf course design, operation and maintenance, the growing role of women in golf, and the restoration of golf tourism in the post-Covid-19 era.

Chris Gray, President of AGIF said: “We will assemble a team of professional speakers at the event. When it comes to golf tourism, there are few people who can match Mark's knowledge and experience. It will be interesting to hear his views on some of the early post-Covid-19 recovery trends, as well as the challenges clubs are facing as they prepare to host international guests.”

International awards for Vietnam, especially the title of “World's Best Golf Destination” at the World Golf Awards 2021 have boosted tourism demand even during the period when Vietnam was still closed due to the epidemic.

Siegel said: “With high-quality golf courses combined with mesmerizing beaches and luxury resorts, Central Vietnam is considered the “golf tourism paradise” of the country. It also offers a wide range of attractions, including historic Hoi An heritage.”

Find solutions to boost the potential of golf tourism

The official AGIF website also revealed that the upcoming AGIF Golf Conference will provide assessments of the prospects for golf tourism after the Covid-19 pandemic from golfers across Europe and North America.

The theme “Golf Tourism Recovery” will be shared by Eric Lynge, Head of SMS Asia. Eric Lynge said: “SMS Asia is also planning to launch a survey on golf tourism attitudes, perceptions and plans across Asia for visitors from Korea, Japan and other Southeast Asia countries, which will also provide key information for tourism marketing in the region. From there, it will answer the question of which factors have the most influence on where, when and how golfers book their vacations.”

According to Chris Gray, now is the right time to restore and promote golf tourism: “Golf tourism is a multi-million dollar business. Golf clubs and tour operators have been hit hard during the pandemic as travel is severely restricted. Now that so many regulations and restrictions have been cleverly addressed, all those involved in golf tourism are trying to make up for lost time.”

At the AGIF Golf Conference, besides discussions on topics of interest, there is also a trade fair where AGIF member companies, together with other relevant organizations, can display their unique products.

Danang Golf Tourism Festival 2022 will include typical activities such as: International Conference on Golf Tourism Development; activities to visit, experience, practice golf; culinary promotion activities; charity activities; Danang tour program; Miss golf; and the BRG Open Golf Championship Danang 2022, part of the Asian Development Tour (ADT) system of the Asian Tour.