The 12^th annual Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) has finished on a spectacular high, attracting a record 462 delegates from 44 countries across the globe to Pattaya, Thailand.

The record attendance was achieved despite flight disruption in the Gulf region, with many delegates switching routes in order to attend the three-day event, held at the Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel.

For 2027, the Asia Golf Tourism Convention will return to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, global golf tourism organisation IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) - which runs AGTC - revealed to assembled delegates and dignitaries at the official welcome dinner. The 13^th AGTC will take place from 5-7 April at IOI Resort City, Putrajaya, located midway between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the city centre, at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.

IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said: “We staged the inaugural Asia Golf Tourism Convention in Kuala Lumpur back in 2012, and by popular demand, we were scheduled to return in March 2020, which of course then had to be cancelled due to the onset of the Covid pandemic.

“We are therefore delighted to be able to take AGTC back to Malaysia next year, and to the magnificent destination of IOI Resort City and its flagship 18-hole golf course, the Palm Garden Golf Club.”

With IOI Resort City being chosen to host the next AGTC in Malaysia, IOI Properties Group’s Chief Operating Officer (Property Investment), Mr. Chris Chong, remarked, “The return of the Asia Golf Tourism Convention to Malaysia after 15 years is a significant milestone, and IOI Resort City is ready to serve as its host. We have developed a seamless destination here, complete with an integrated ecosystem of premium hospitality and lifestyle offerings, including a world-class 18-hole golf course, to meet international standards.”

“In 2024, we completed a major RM5.6 million renovation to Palm Garden Golf Club, which fully rejuvenated its fairways, greens, and clubhouse facilities. By expanding the amenities, including new pickleball courts, a modern driving range, and enhanced dining, we ensure an experience that showcases the very best of our resort-styled city’s offerings.”

During AGTC 2026 in Pattaya, 170 international golf tour operators, all selling Asian golf destinations, enjoyed two days of productive meetings with 172 golf resorts, golf clubs, hotels, inbound operators and tourism boards from golf destinations across the Asia Pacific region, as well as golf tourism suppliers from long-haul destinations popular with Asian golfers, including Europe, South Africa and North America. Some 230 delegates also participated in the AGTC Golf Tournament on two courses at Pattaya’s prestigious Siam Country Club.

In addition, attendees were treated to colourful traditional Thai cultural performances and exhibition Muay Thai boxing bouts against a backdrop of the Gulf of Thailand at the welcome dinner.

Commenting on the economic impact of AGTC, Peter Walton said: “Our international conventions are key tools for destinations keen to generate significant growth in high-revenue golf tourism.

“AGTC 2012 in Kuala Lumpur led directly to a 60% increase in golf tour operator sales to Malaysia over the subsequent three years. This is both achievable and sustainable because, in addition to the momentum generated by each convention, we ally this through the implementation of golf tourism strategies for host destinations and by elevating trade marketing activities through the daily work of our global golf tourism association.”

Online registration for AGTC 2027 will open in May at www.iagto.com/AGTC

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About IAGTO

Established in 1997, IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) is the global trade organization of the golf tourism industry with over 2500 members in 93 countries including 760+ golf tour operators in 69 countries, which are responsible for more than 90% of golf vacation packages sold worldwide. IAGTO runs annual conventions in Asia and Europe and North America.

About IOI Resort City

Launched in 1995, IOI Properties Group master-planned the flagship 788-acre IOI Resort City, Putrajaya, with a vision of creating a premier world-class attraction. Today, the award-winning integrated township stands as a comprehensive ecosystem of premium business, leisure, and lifestyle offerings, featuring the Palm Garden Golf Club, a world-class 18-hole golf course; IOI City Mall, the largest mall in Malaysia with 2.54 million sq. ft. of net lettable area (NLA); and four internationally renowned Marriott-branded hotels: the Le Méridien Putrajaya, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, Moxy Putrajaya, and the Palm Garden Hotel, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

By seamlessly blending diverse amenities - ranging from fine dining and spa retreats to nature trails found within the 10-acre Central Park @ IOI Resort City - the township has become a preferred destination for international getaways, corporate celebrations, and a seamless stopover experience for tourists and leisure travellers.

Photos

A selection of photos are available to media by clicking here with photos to download of:

1. AGTC 2026 Pattaya
2. AGTC 2027 Kuala Lumpur announcement
3. AGTC 2027 Host Venue - IOI Resort City Putrajaya