Danang, Vietnam: How golfers from across Europe and North America are feeling about the prospect of golf travel in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic will be revealed at this month’s inaugural Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Danang Conference.

The topic of Golf Tourism Recovery will be addressed by Eric Lynge, Head of SMS (Sports Marketing Surveys) Asia.

“The findings will be a priceless tool for Vietnamese venues, tourist boards and tour operators as they plan their offers for 2023 and begin the recovery from the pandemic,” said Lynge, one of the keynote speakers at the three-day gathering (August 29-31).

Held in conjunction with Danang Tourism and the BRG Group, the AGIF Danang Conference will specifically focus on sustainability in golf course design, golf course maintenance and operations, the growing role of women in golf and golf tourism recovery in the post-Covid era.

Based on an unreleased SMS study on golf tourism attitudes, perceptions and plans, Lynge’s presentation at Danang’s Sheraton Grand Hotel will cover the market for golfers in Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, North America (combining the United States and Canada) and Germany.

Questions in the research programme cover a wide range of topics related to golf travel, including identifying the factors that will have the most impact on where, when and how golfers book their holidays.

Lynge said: “SMS Asia is also planning to roll out similar surveys on golf tourism attitudes, perceptions and plans across Asia for travelers from Korea, Japan and key Southeast Asian markets which will also provide key information for regional travel marketing.”

One of the other highlights on day two (August 30) will be a trade exhibition at which member companies of the AGIF, along with other golf-related organisations, can showcase their wares.

Chris Gray, President of the AGIF, said: “Golf tourism is a multi-million dollar business. Golf clubs, golf tour operators and tourism boards have all suffered badly during the pandemic when travel was severely restricted and many of us spent a considerable amount of time in lockdown.

“Now that many of the restrictions have thankfully eased, all those involved in golf tourism are anxious to make up for lost time, as Eric will address.”

The AGIF Danang Conference forms part of a week-long golfing festival in Danang that will also see BRG Da Nang Golf Resort play host to a 54-hole event on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), the Asian Tour’s feeder circuit.

AT A GLANCE

Name: AGIF Danang Conference: Golf Tourism and Sustainability Strategies
Date: August 29-31, 2022
Venue: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Danang, Vietnam
Organisers: Asian Golf Industry Federation, Danang Tourism, BRG Group

*For further details about sponsorship opportunities and attending the Conference as a delegate, please contact the AGIF’s PK Ong at pkong@agif.asia