The Opening Press Conference for the 11th Asian Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) 2025 took place, graciously welcoming 450 delegates from 33 countries and territories, achieving a remarkable milestone in attendance for this distinguished annual event in Asia.
Held on the afternoon of March 31, 2025, at the Pullman Danang Beach Resort, the press conference attracted nearly 100 esteemed domestic and international delegates. This included leaders from various departments and districts, the President of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), representatives from tourism enterprises, and media members.
During the opening remarks, representatives from the Da Nang Department of Tourism underscored the city’s commitment to fostering high-quality tourism development, with golf tourism as a vital component of this vision. Da Nang has consistently hosted significant golf events, notably the annual Da Nang Golf Tourism Festival and the BRG Open Golf Championship, which have established a reputation from 2022 to 2024. As we look to 2025, Danang is honored to again collaborate with IAGTO in hosting the Asian Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) for the second time, underscoring the city’s dedication to promoting golf tourism internationally.
AGTC 2025 will take place from March 30 to April 5, 2025, and will include several key activities: golf familiarization trips for tour operators on March 31 and April 1, the AGTC 2025 Golf Tournament on April 2, and the Asian Golf Tourism Convention, which will facilitate over 4,500 pre-scheduled B2B meetings between buyers and sellers from April 3 to 4. Additionally, the event will feature a Danang City Gala Dinner and the IAGTO Awards Ceremony on April 4.
Mr. Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, expressed that “hosting AGTC 2025 presents a significant opportunity for Da Nang to position itself as a vibrant and modern seaside destination with exceptional tourism potential. This event will highlight our premier golf tourism offerings, luxurious five-star resorts, and world-class service and showcase the region’s breathtaking natural landscapes. It will reinforce our status on regional and global golf tourism platforms while fostering new opportunities for collaboration and investment in high-end tourism and golf.”
Mr. Peter Walton, President of IAGTO, noted, “When we first introduced AGTC to Da Nang in 2017, the region featured only four golf courses. We anticipated the event’s success would contribute to sustainable growth in the local golf tourism sector. With the return of AGTC eight years later, we are pleased to see significant advancement, with eight world-class golf courses now available.”
The expansion of golf tourism in Da Nang and Central Vietnam is evident in the number of golf courses and the total rounds played. According to the Central Vietnam Golf Courses Alliance, the region reported 387,000 rounds of golf in 2024, representing a 13.8% increase from the previous year. This figure is expected to rise to 410,000 rounds in 2025, indicating a further 10% growth.
AGTC 2025 reaffirms Da Nang’s attractiveness as a host city, welcoming a remarkable 450 delegates—substantially higher than the 340 delegates from AGTC 2024 in Abu Dhabi. Mr. Walton remarked, “While we anticipated Da Nang would serve as a compelling location for the 11th AGTC, we were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming interest it generated.”
Among the 450 delegates representing 33 countries and territories, 162 are international buyers, with 54% hailing from Asia, 26% from Europe, 11% from Australia and New Zealand, and 7% from North America.
According to Mr. Walton, AGTC 2025 is poised to deliver significant benefits to Da Nang this week. A total of 168 golf tour operators, many of whom will be visiting for the first time, will have the opportunity to explore Da Nang’s renowned golf courses and world-class resorts. This influx of international visitors is expected to significantly boost the local economy, from increased hotel bookings to higher demand for local services and products.
The event will facilitate over 4,500 scheduled B2B meetings between international buyers and golf tourism suppliers, creating promising avenues for tangible revenue growth. This emphasis on business opportunities and economic impact underscores the AGTC 2025’s significance for golf destinations throughout Asia, Vietnam, and particularly in Da Nang.
By inviting elite golf tour operators from 33 countries and territories, AGTC 2025 aims to broaden Da Nang’s source markets and reduce its reliance on a limited number of key markets. This event serves as a platform to showcase Da Nang’s world-class golf courses, luxurious resorts, and exceptional service, positioning the city as a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
During the esteemed AGTC 2025 Gala Dinner, IAGTO will announce the prestigious IAGTO Awards, which honor outstanding golf courses and destinations as determined by international golf tour operators’ votes. The winners are selected through a rigorous voting process, ensuring that the awards reflect the consensus of industry professionals and the highest standards of excellence in golf tourism.
Danang will be particularly recognized with the title “Outstanding Contribution to Golf Tourism,” reflecting its significant commitment to advancing golf tourism within the region.
Mr. Walton expressed deep gratitude for the support from Da Nang’s tourism sector and the collaborative spirit of local businesses. “It has been a privilege to work in such a vibrant area, showcasing all that Da Nang has to offer,” he remarked.
About IAGTO:
Established in 1997, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) boasts a membership of 2,428 accredited entities, which include golf tour operators, resorts, hotels, golf courses, tourism operators, airlines, tourism authorities, media representatives, and business partners hailing from 93 countries. At the heart of this membership are 712 golf tour operators from 68 nations, collectively responsible for over 90% of all global golf holiday packages, generating more than €2.5 billion in annual revenue.
AGTC 2025 stands out among its key events as one of IAGTO’s three flagship global conventions, alongside its European and North American events. As a premier B2B platform, AGTC is designed to connect industry stakeholders, showcase host destinations, and foster valuable collaboration opportunities between suppliers and golf tour operators worldwide.
AGTC 2025 Schedule
| Date | Activity | Venue |
| March 30 – April 1, 2025 | Delegate Arrival | Danang International Airport & Official Hotels (Furama, Melia, Sheraton) |
| March 31 (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM) | AGTC 2025 Opening Press Conference | Pullman Danang Beach Resort |
| March 31 – April 1 | Golf Course Fam Trip (for buyers) | Laguna Golf Lang Co, Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Montgomerie Links, Hoiana Shores |
| April 2 (11:30 AM – 7:30 PM) | AGTC 2025 Golf Tournament | Nicklaus Course – Legend Danang Golf Resort & Hoiana Shores Golf Club |
| April 3 – 4 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) | Asian Golf Tourism Convention (B2B Meetings) | Sheraton Grand Danang Resort & Convention Center |
| April 3 – 4 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) | Da Nang Tourism Showcase | Sheraton Grand Danang Resort & Convention Center |
| April 4 (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM) | AGTC 2025 Gala Dinner & IAGTO Awards Ceremony | Pullman Danang Beach Resort |
DANANG CENTER FOR TOURISM PROMOTION
