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 Delegates from IAGTO (The International Association of Golf Tour Operators) will be attending a special Failte Ireland workshop at Harvey's Point Hotel, Donegal, where they will learn first-hand from Irish golf industry members and Failte Ireland representatives all about what Ireland has to offer the overseas golfer
IAGTO is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry. Established in 1997, IAGTO's membership comprises almost 400 of the top specialist golf tour operators in over 50 countries. It is estimated that IAGTO's operators control over 80pc of golf holiday packages sold worldwide (outside of Asia) and turnover of more than €1 billion per year.
Welcoming IAGTO's decision to come to Ireland, Padraig Harrington - in his capacity as Ireland's Golf Ambassador - emphasised what the delegates would find here. "Ireland is world-renowned for the high quality and wide choice of golf courses. However, there's much more than just fantastic golf. There's award winning accommodation, a range of outdoor activities to complement a golf tour, and a unique culture and heritage that can only be found in Ireland. The Irish people really make Ireland stand out amongst other golf destinations, it's the friendly welcome that makes a tour to Ireland memorable and will make any golfer want to return," he said
IAGTO hosts several workshops for their members around the world each year but this is the first time Ireland has hosted one. The workshops allow golf destinations, such as Ireland, an opportunity to give the world's most important tour operators and buyers an experience of what this country has to offer - golf and otherwise.
"This is by far the largest and most important international golf tourism event to have been staged in Ireland and it is taking place at a crucial time when outbound golfing markets are recovering, at different paces, from the economic downturn. This event will allow buyers and suppliers to fine tune this summer's product and offers, whilst planning ahead for the 2012 season," said President and Chief Executive of IAGTO, Peter Walton
Keith McCormack, Head of Failte Ireland's Golf Division, said that this is big news for the golf industry. "As many of these tour operators do not feature or sell Ireland as a golfing holiday destination at the moment, they represent rich potential for significantly increasing visitors to our shores. To achieve this, it is important to give them an opportunity to sample, for themselves, exactly what is on offer in Ireland and to get them to meet with a wide range of our golf clubs, accommodation providers, transport providers and local tour operators.
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