Yas Island: Abu Dhabi: The 10th edition of the annual Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) attracted 340 delegates from 52 countries, making AGTC 2024 Abu Dhabi the most international Asian convention since the event’s inauguration in 2012.
Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), said: “Taking AGTC to Abu Dhabi this year enabled us to bring the broadest representation of golf tour operators selling Asia, Australasia and the Gulf States to the convention in its 10-year history.
“The attending golf tour operators were almost equally split between Asia and Australasia (51%) and Europe and North America (49%), enabling the participating golf destinations and golf tourism suppliers to reach many new markets and potential clients.
“In addition to a record turnout from golf resorts, golf courses and hotels in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Gulf States – including Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia – tour operators met with leading golf tourism suppliers from across Southeast Asia, China, Japan, India, Mauritius, Australia and guest destinations from Europe and North Africa.
“IAGTO golf tour operators are responsible for more than 90% of golf vacation packages sold worldwide, and by showcasing Abu Dhabi to 146 golf tour operator delegates from 34 countries, this event, along with the pre and post-educational tours, will generate sustainable high-revenue business from both new and established markets for Abu Dhabi and the region for many years to come.”
The event at the Hilton Convention Centre on Yas Island was also an opportunity for IAGTO to showcase Abu Dhabi as a golf destination during the month of Ramadan. Delegates experienced desert safaris and the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum alongside fantastic gastronomy on Yas Island’s waterfront. The convention ended with a sound and light show at Warner Bros World.
Walton said: “We are particularly grateful for the vision and support of Abu Dhabi Tourism for hosting the convention, the most important event for the golf tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific and Gulf States region.”