THE Fiji International has become a member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in a bid to secure further ties with golf tourism buyers of the world.

The new membership comes ahead of the Asian Golf Tourism Convention scheduled for Jakarta, Indonesia from April 27-30 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, golf resorts, golf clubs, hotels and inbound operators over the two days.

The convention is expected to attract more than 500 delegates from 32 countries including some 150 golf tour operators, all selling and buying Asia Pacific golf destinations from the leading markets.

General Manager Fiji International for PGA Australia Natalie Ritter said on the first day, the Fiji International team would have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the buyers.

Ritter said this would be followed with up to 38 appointments of 15 minutes with golf tourism buyers over the two days. “Not only will we be able to share our attractive Fiji International packages on offer but we will also be able to discuss their customers to Fiji for an unforgettable golfing holiday”, she said.

“We are confident that following the live broadcast of the Fiji International to over 300 million households worldwide, golf tourists are now aware that the country is a must visit golf destination.

“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 inbound golf tourism for Fiji.”

The inaugural tournament last year 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 date this year allow 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 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 per cent of golf holiday packages sold worldwide with a turnover more than $5.2 billion per year.

IAGTO has an 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 has run hundreds of golf tourism conventions and workshops 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, Australia and New Zealand. The 2015 Fiji International will be held at Natadola from October 15-18.

via Target for golf tourism – Fiji Times Online.