AGTC 2014, IAGTO´s third annual Asia Golf Tourism Convention, hosted by Mission Hills Haikou, has been trumpeted as a huge success. More than 150 golf tour operator companies attended the event. While there, they discussed business opportunities with supplier delegates from 150 companies including golf resorts, golf clubs, hotels, inbound operators and tourist boards from 19 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
China was well represented with 57 sellers and 80 golf tour operators! Sanya Golf Paradise led the charge with the largest delegation. “We had a full schedule of meetings and are very pleased with the feedback that we received from the tour operators. They were noticeably impressed by our attractive golf packages which are perfectly tailored to the specific markets” said Ernst Mayer, General Manager of Intercontinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort (and a passionate golfer himself!).
Mayer continued:” We were properly prepared for this convention thanks to Evelyn´s effort and expertise (Editor’s note: Evelyn Gruber, Golf Travel Consulting, Inc.) and I am fairly positive that we will be welcoming a rapidly increasing number of golfers from around the world over the next 18 months as a direct result from the event in Haikou.
Showcasing Sanya, the prime destination of the tropical island of Hainan, and the luxurious Intercontinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort to the global golf tour operators was the next crucial step in the hotel´s ambitious plan to move forward in the golf segment. This was fulfilled right after AGTC (March 28-31, 2014), when 13 high-end golf tour operators from Australia, China, Switzerland, and Singapore stayed at the Intercontinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort. Additionally, another 50+ inspected the site during their 3-day visit in Sanya.
Every single golf tour operator was truly amazed by the hotel´s spacious rooms specifically designed for golfers, the well-trained staff willing to go the extra mile and the resort’s outstanding facilities including its signature restaurant AQUA.
“This restaurant is beyond anybody´s imagination and our welcome dinner in the aquarium tunnel was a phenomenal and unique experience. This stunning hotel is definitely a product that I will proactively promote and sell to my discerning clients” said Mr. Jibing Wang, Deputy Manager from Shanghai Golf Holiday and highly regarded as a tourism expert in China.
During their stay, the international group played Mystic Springs Golf Club and Forest Valley Golf Course, two spectacular layouts in the lush tropical rainforests of Hainan. Everybody was convinced that both courses are well worth the long trip to Sanya for international golfers.
There is no doubt that these efforts and visits have put Sanya Golf Paradise on the international golf map. Yet, the exciting journey to prominently position Sanya as a prime world golf destination has only just begun!
Photo Caption: Ernst Mayer, General Manager, and Miyuki Rierson, Director of Sales and Marketing, together with excited golf tour operators from around the world in the Resort´s signature restaurant AQUA.
INFO for the EDITOR
The Intercontinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, nestled in a scenic paradise surrounded by mountains and a tropical lagoon, was opened in December 2013 and is set to become the brand´s new flagship beach hotel and resort. and Haitang Bay´s leading golf resort.
The stunning hotel features 291 spacious ocean view rooms specifically designed for golfers, state of the art facilities and convenient guest services including a golf desk, and wows even the most traveled golfer. 12 fantastic golf courses are within 45 minute drive.
The world´s largest Duty Free Center just next door and the unique AQUA signature restaurant, located inside China´s biggest salt water aquarium, are additional attractions and add to the overall experience and a very memorable stay.
