Golf Tour Operators Convene North American Conference

As appeared in Focus on Travel News
Published by Ozgur Tore    
Wednesday, 19 May 2010

Golf tour operators from across North America will gather this week Palm Beach, Florida at PGA National Resort & Spa for the 2nd annual North American Golf Tourism Convention, organized by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.

More than 70 golf tour operators that sell North America as a golf destination will meet for three days starting Wednesday, May 19. Approximately half of the operators hail from the United States and Canada, while the remainder represents other countries. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has sponsored the event, underlining the international nature of the gathering.

"I know that selling North America as a destination is the focus of this event, but these relationships go both ways; they are the building blocks of expanded tour offerings," said Mark Siegel, CEO of Bangkok-based Golfasian Co. Ltd. "I’m here to support Thai golf and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, but there are dozens of potential partners for me, worldwide, gathered in the same place. That’s a valuable thing, and we recognize IAGTO for making it happen."

The International Association of Golf Tour Operators, or IAGTO, is the leading association of golf tour operators worldwide. It was founded in 1997, and has grown to be the representative body for the fostering of international golf tourism.

The IAGTO’s Peter Walton, CEO of the London-based organization, recently announced formation of a new chapter in Vietnam, following an extensive fact-finding mission there. Walton subsequently welcomed the involvement of the Tourism Authority of Thailand as sponsor of this week’s North American event.

The three days of meetings and dinners this week are highlighted by a group of destination seminars Thursday. Case study presenters include Palm Springs Tourism, Mississippi Tourism, Troon Golf and Fairmont Hotels. The Tourism Authority of Thailand, whose efforts have resulted in Thailand’s preeminence among Asian golf destinations, will give a similar presentation at the event’s opening night banquet.

On Friday, the delegates to North American Golf Tourism Convention are privileged to play The Champion course at PGA National Resort & Spa, home to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic.
For more information on the IAGTO and IAGTO events visit www.iagto.com.