In 2016, just 7.8% of the Philippines GDP was attributed to the Travel and Tourism Industry. Compare that with the 25.1% that tourism brings to the GDP of Thailand and you’ll begin to realize that something is not right.
We have the best beaches, many beautiful golf courses, we’re English speaking, it’s sunny, and Filipinos are some of the happiest people on earth.
But yet… the Philippines still remains at the bottom tier of the tourism list.
This poses the question as to why?
Why isn’t the Philippines considered to be one of the premier golf destinations in South East Asia compared to some of the other countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia?
Good News. Things Are Changing For The Better
This year, the Tourism Board of the Philippines is determined to create change. Make an impact and let the world see how great of a golf destination the Philippines really is.
Spearheaded by the head of the Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) of the Philippines, Cesar D. Montana and the President of the Association for Inbound Golf Tourism in the Philippines, Connie Mamril. A Philippine delegation of around 30 golf tour operators, resort owners, media and golf industry representatives flew out to Danang, Vietnam to Promote, Network and Participate at the latest Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) this past May.
They also went there to bid and represent the Philippines as our country Just Won the rights to host next year’s Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Manila!
What is the AGTC?
AGTC is the most elite premier golf travel event in the Asia Pacific Region. This event focuses on the promotion of golf tourism throughout the continent and allows buyers as well as sellers to interact face to face at an annual convention.
It’s an opportunity to break bread among nations with the common interest of golf bridging them together. Each year, the event gets bigger and bigger. This year, over 600 delegates from all over the world flew in to meet, network and promote the game of golf.
Congratulations to the Tourism Promotion Board of the Philippines, the Association for Inbound Golf Tourism and the rest of the Philippines delegation that flew out to Da Nang, Vietnam and took part in the bidding process.
This event will bring brand new exposure to the Philippines from people all over the world, ultimately helping our nation. Hopefully it will be a good opportunity to drive tourism in the country and really show people what this nation has to offer.
Congratulations to Jordan Mamaril, Regent Travel and Sherwin Tan, Happy Travel and Tours for taking 2nd place in the AGTC Golf Tournament Team competition.
We can’t wait for 2018 and look forward to what’s in store for next years convention!
