KATHMANDU, Nov 25: The Gokarna Forest Resort (GFR) has opened the door for international golf tour in Nepal following their membership in International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
GFR was given the membership during the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) held between November 16-19 at Malaga, Spain. Director of GFR Deepak Acharya and General Manager Vikram Singh participated in the mart.
“Our membership was accepted by IAGTO after they viewed the photographs of the GFR, they were fascinated by the natural beauty and the standard of our golf course,” said Acharya. “Memberships for about 25 golf clubs each from Indian and China were rejected on the occasion. To get membership in the IAGTO was a great achievement for GFR.”
“IGTM attendants were taken aback knowing that there was an 18 hole international standard golf course in Nepal,” said Singh, “They had known Nepal only as the country of Mount Everest and birthplace of lord Buddha.”
The premier event of golf tourism was attended by about 80 percent of top tour operators and exhibitors around the globe. The IGTM had over 500 golf resorts and 300 buyers. Around 1200 golf tourism personnel from 66 countries attended the function to discuss business networking for golf tourism industry.
It was the first time for Nepal to attend the fair. “IGTM was a good opportunity for GFR and Nepal to interact with tour operators around the globe. The event provides good opportunity as well as excellent network opportunities which will later enhance tourism in the country ,” said Singh.
About six million golfers travel across the globe for golfing holidays annually. The international tour operators have promised to send 40,000 to 60,000 golf tourist in Nepal for next two years. Currently, as many as 1500-2000 golfers visit Nepal for golfing. The Ireland team will be visiting Nepal in 2010.
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