[Shenzhen, China – 22 March 2024] The 10th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) drew to a close in Abu Dhabi today, marking the first time that the region’s most important golf tourism event was held outside of South-East Asia. This year's convention not only saw the establishment of relations between Hainan and Middle Eastern tourism bureaus, it also brought together golf industry professionals and tourism practitioners from across China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and more to explore the development trends of the golf tourism industry and drive cooperation opportunities.

Delivering his keynote address at the opening of AGTC 2024, Mr Tenniel Chu, Vice-Chairman of Mission Hills Group, detailed the developments of Mission Hills Group in becoming a preeminent leader in China’s sports and leisure industry. Citing the innovations adopted to transform golf industry, Mr Chu also introduced the unique charm of Mission Hills as a Chinese golf tourism destination, built upon the philosophy of "Golf and more", as he extended a warm invitation for the world to visit Hainan.

With its pleasant climate, unique tourism offerings and and cultural charm, Hainan has always been a popular destination for tourists both at home and abroad. Affectionately known as the Hawaii of the East, Hainan is vigorously developing cross-format offerings such as "tourism + sports," "tourism + performing arts," and "tourism + duty-free retail" to enhance its attractiveness. Furthermore, policy changes in the Hainan Free Trade Port, as well as measures to restore direct flights and visa-free entry for tourists from 59 countries, has created a diverse and integrated tourism landscape that meets the needs of different tourism segments.

Notably, at the 10th AGTC, Mission Hills Group was also named China’s Golf Resort of the Year, demonstrating the Group’s outstanding performance and leading position in the golf tourism industry. Mr Chu added that this recognition goes beyond Mission Hills, acting as affirmation and encouragement for the development of China's golf industry. Moving forward, Mission Hills will continue to strive to enhance its world-class leisure tourism destination. Golf will continue to be the foundation, as the company seeks to achieve breakthroughs and expand the "tourism +" industrial ecosystem it has built, and to create memorable experiences for golf enthusiasts worldwide. Last but not least, Mission Hills will continue to develop its role as "super connector," bringing the world to China and China to the world.

During the convention, Mr Chu also held talks with Mubarak Hamad Al Shamsi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, to actively explore ways to promote and facilitate the establishment of friendly city ties between Haikou and Abu Dhabi, and to aid Abu Dhabi entrepreneurs in investing in Haikou, Hainan. In addition, Mr Chu also met with Christopher May, CEO of Viya Golf, Dubai's largest hotel and golf resort booking platform, to discuss strategies to strengthen international exchanges and cooperation between Mission Hills Group and Viya Golf, fostering mutual visits and interactions between members and golf enthusiasts across both globes.

About IAGTO

Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry, and has 2400 members in over 90 countries including almost 700 golf tour operator members in 61 countries, which control more than 90% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide and which collectively have annual sales of over €2.5 billion. IAGTO runs annual Asia, Europe and North America Golf Tourism Conventions, along with regular Destination Conventions. IAGTO established the International Golf Travel Writers Association in 2000, the year in which the first prestigious annual IAGTO Awards also took place.

About Mission Hills Group

The Mission Hills Group – owner and operator of world-class resorts in the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port – is a pioneer in China’s hospitality, sports and leisure industry. The fully-integrated Mission Hills resorts span more than 40 square kilometres, including 22 championship golf courses – making it the world’s largest golf facility – plus five-star hotels, award-winning spas and volcanic mineral springs, international convention centers, state-of-the-art golf academies, a 20-pitch football training base, Asia’s largest basketball school and Asia’s biggest tennis facility. Other significant projects at Mission Hills include shopping and entertainment at Mission Hills Centreville, Bromsgrove School Mission Hills in collaboration with the 550-year-old British boarding school, co-operations with world-renowned hotel brands Hard Rock, Renaissance and Ritz-Carlton, Mission Hills Movie Town, and ground-breaking partnerships with NBA and PGA of America.

For more information visit www.missionhillschina.com or follow Mission Hills China on social media.

For further information and images, please contact:

Jacky Leung

Mission Hills China

Tel: +86 755 2802 0888 Ext. 36976

Email: Jackyleung@missionhillschina.com