Golf Industry Central Autumn 2013 | Page 12

Industry News Thailand gets prepared for Asia’s largest golf tourism convention In just over two months’ time, IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) will stage the largest ever golf tourism convention to take place in the Asia-Pacific region, in Pattaya, Thailand. IAGTO’s 2nd Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) will take place at the Royal Cliff Hotel and PEACH Convention Centre from 29 April to 2 May 2013. IAGTO’s president, Peter Walton, announced the event during a press conference in Bangkok where he unveiled that already 142 golf tour operators from 36 countries had confirmed their attendance. up to attend and we currentlyhave capacity for 60 in total out of a total of 180 supplier companies from 18 countries in the Asia Pacific region. A total of 500 delegates are expected to attend AGTC this year.” Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry, and its Thailand division already has 70 member companies, making it a truly representative body for Thailand’s golf tourism industry. All Thai companies attending the AGTC for the first time are automatically provided with IAGTO membership for 2013. Registered buyers are coming from China, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Australia, Europe, North America and from as far afield as South Africa, Argentina and Brazil. Walton said: “With more than 150 accredited buyers expected to attend, all promoting and selling golf destinations in Asia, this is without doubt a great opportunity for Thai hotels, golf resorts, golf courses and regional golf destinations around the country to meet, discuss and do business for the coming season. Already 45 Thai golf tourism suppliers have signed 10 The Golf Marketing Professionals www.golfindustrycentral.com.au