Come April and the world is all set to witness one of the biggest Golf tourism gatherings. With the Philippines hosting the region’s annual gathering of golf tourism professionals - the Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC), in April, more than 200 golf tour operators from around the world are expected to participate in the largest series of golf familiarisation tours ever undertaken in Asia.

 

 

AGTC 2018 will take place in Manila from 22-25 April and has already attracted a record number of buyers, with 75% emanating from the country’s principal Asia Pacific markets.

 

 

The Asia Convention is organised by global golf tourism industry body IAGTO, and Chief Executive Peter Walton commented: “One of our objectives with AGTC each year is to ensure that the destination benefits directly from the event in a really significant way. As an emerging golf destination, only 21% of our 424 golf tour operators selling golf vacations to Asia feature the Philippines, so we were determined to get as many tour operators to really experience golf in the Philippines first-hand either before or after the Convention itself. I am delighted to announce that as a result of these efforts, sponsored by the country’s Tourism Promotions Board, 215 golf tour operator delegates from 35 countries have already committed to the AGTC Fam Tours making this the largest golf fam trip to have ever taken place in Asia.”

 

 

 

What to expect?

 

 

 

Tour operators will visit the three main golf destinations: Tagaytay Highlands, Clark-Angeles City and Boracay Island. They will also experience golf in metro Manila itself at the iconic Southwoods and Wack Wack golf clubs during the AGTC Golf Tournament, which will follow two days of meetings between seller companies and organisations across Asia – including destination tourist boards, golf resorts, golf clubs, hotels, transportation companies and other golf tourism service providers – and the golf tour operator buyers.

 

 

The destinations!

 

Most courses in the Philippines are located south of Manila. The Tagaytay Highlands lie at the heart of this region, a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Pre-AGTC fam destination Boracay is a small but popular tropical resort island a short flight and ferry ride from Manila with a golf course, private beach coves and extensive facilities and activities at the Fairways & Bluewater resort, which takes up 15% of the island.

 

Three hours by road from Manila and only 20 minutes apart, the twin cities of Clark and Angeles host another AGTC trip. They could not be more different – Clark is a freeport zone offering quiet, tree-lined avenues and casino hotels while Angeles City is a vibrant 24-hour city – but together they comprise a compelling Philippine golf destination with excellent golf courses nearby.

 

 

At the helm of affairs

 

The Philippines golf tourism industry is coordinated by the Association of International Golf Tour Operators Philippines (AIGTP) and its President, Connie Mamaril, said: “The Philippines has a hundred golf courses throughout the archipelago of 7,100 islands with varying designs overlooking the ocean, rivers, volcanoes and mountains with standards enticing to the international market and competitive green fees. The added charm of English-speaking caddies makes the entire golfing experience unforgettable.”