Danang, Vietnam: Golf remains a key pillar in Danang’s high-quality tourism development strategy. That was the message delivered by Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, during the 11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC).

Speaking at an AGTC press conference in Danang, Tan said: “Developing golf tourism and leveraging golf tournaments in major international events is a key pillar in Danang’s high-quality tourism development strategy.

“Following the success of AGTC 2017, hosting AGTC 2025 further strengthens Da Nang’s position on the global golf tourism map.”

According to the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), AGTC 2025 in Danang attracted a record 450 delegates, over 100 more than any of the previous 10 editions.

A total of 160 suppliers had more than 4,500 meetings with 162 buyers from 33 countries from the following markets:

54% – Asia
26% – Europe
11% – Australia and New Zealand
7% – USA and Canada
2% – Rest of the World

During the business sessions, 33% of meetings took place between golf tour operators and Vietnamese golf tourism suppliers.

IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said “We had to turn away golf tourism suppliers in the last couple of weeks for AGTC.

“Our mantra has been to keep our global golf tourism sales conventions affordable, productive and enjoyable, which is why they have become so popular.

“We brought AGTC to Danang first back in 2017, when there were just four courses within an hour’s drive of the city. We stated at the time that we anticipated that the success of the 2017 event would generate interest and sales that would support the development and sustainable success of more golf courses.

“We return to Danang eight years later to a destination with seven fantastic golf courses within that same 60-minute radius.

“Our expectation is that AGTC this year will create at least 5,000 additional bookings generating over US$8 million incremental revenue.”

Last month, Hoiana Shores Golf Club hosted the seventh Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific, the region’s pre-eminent amateur championship for females. The week after next, Laguna Lang Co will be the stage for the 16th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final.