The Fiji International has become a member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in a bid to secure and further enhance ties with golf tourism buyers of the world. The new membership comes ahead of the Asian Golf Tourism Convention scheduled to happen from April 27th – 30th 2015 in Jakarta where golf buyers from all over the world will gather to join the event.
More than 4000 meetings will take place between golf tour operators and golf resorts, golf clubs, hotels, inbound operators and tourist boards over the two day Asian Golf Tourism Convention in the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta. The convention attracts over 500 delegates from 32 countries including some 150 golf tour operators, all selling and buying Asia Pacific golf destinations, from all leading markets.
“At the beginning of the first business day, the Fiji International team will have the opportunity to introduce ourselves to all buyers during two hours of speed-dating with buyers. This will be followed with up to 38 appointments of 15 minutes with golf tourism buyers over two days.
Not only will we be able to share our attractive Fiji International Packages we have on offer but we will also be able to discuss year round opportunities to send the buyers customers to Fiji for an unforgettable golfing holiday”, said Natalie Ritter, General Manager Fiji International for PGA Australia.
Ms. Ritter added, “We are confident that following the live broadcast of the Fiji International to over 300 million households worldwide, golf tourists are now aware that Fiji is a must visit golf destination. The sheer beauty of Natadola Bay Golf Championship Course showcased throughout the broadcast was something that separated Fiji from the pack. Through our membership with IAGTO, we will be able to facilitate direct bookings of our various golf packages on offer, paving the way for increased in bound golf tourism for Fiji.”
The inaugural Fiji International received extensive interest worldwide, with players, guests and officials all singing Fiji’s praises as a host nation. Already in Australia there has been significant interest to increase the volunteer program which was sold out in Australia and New Zealand in 2014. The October dates allows more positions to become available for volunteers and is one of many strategies in place to increase visitation and the foot print of Fiji as a golfing destination.
IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry. Established in 1997, IAGTO’s membership comprises 2299 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 100 countries including, at its core, 577 specialist golf tour operators in 62 countries.
It is estimated that IAGTO’s operators control over 85% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide and turnover more than US$ 2.5 billion per year.
IAGTO has unparalleled experience of making golf tourism events work for both suppliers and buyers, having first established the International Golf Travel Market back in 1998 and run hundreds of golf tourism conventions, workshops and fam trips in the past 17 years.
IAGTO is now well established in Asia with offices in both China and Thailand, and representation in Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Australia/New Zealand.