Destination Golf Global (Spring 2019) * | Page 95

Ancient Cambodia shines as host destination for the 8th annual Asia Golf Tourism Convention Cambodia is poised to become a genuine twin-centre golf destination as a result of two announcements made during the 8th annual Asia Golf Tourism Convention. The event, held by the global golf tourism organisation IAGTO in Siem Reap, the gateway city to Cambodia’s ancient Angkor temples, was attended by 420 IAGTO member delegates from 45 countries. IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said: “It was very special to be able to stage this year’s event just a few kilometres from the number one-ranked UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat and this was not lost on our members, most of whom were visiting Cambodia for the first time. “We were able to create six days of unique experiences for all delegates, buyers and sellers alike, including tours of Bayon, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat temples as well as three days of golf alongside the business sessions. Most importantly, we were able to shine a light on a relatively undiscovered golf destination that has enormous potential. Siem Reap is a really cosy golf destination, with all three 18-hole courses – Angkor Golf Resort, Phokeethra Country Club and Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club – located within a 20-30 minute drive of the centre of town.” “Two announcements made at AGTC will see Cambodia transform into a genuine two-centre golf Volume 4 • Issue 47 95