By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Golf and Country Club Incorporated partners with the Department of Tourism Region VI for the 1st Iloilo Golf Summit on September 20-22, 2019, to be held at the Sta. Barbara Golf Course.
The summit aims to look at the strengths and weaknesses of golfing tourism in the Philippines, to bring together people who are in the golf industry, to tackle problems of golf tourism, and to be part of a movement to improve golf tourism locally.
IGCCI president Hermenio L. Maravilla II, said the Philippines is now behind the golf sectors of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, so they are aiming to put Philippines golf back on top.
According to DOT Regional Director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, “This summit is the beginning of a domino effect for all tourism sector components here in Western Visayas from transport, accommodation, food and beverages, shopping and tours. With Iloilo positioning itself as the new M.I.C.E. destination in this part of the Philippines, we are positive that there will be significant increase in our tourist receipts and arrivals in the immediate future.”
President of the IGCCI Mr. Maravilla II also said that one of the main goals of the summit is to halt the perception that playing golf is for the elite.
“I would like to say that golf is mislabeled as the sport of the elitist. No, golf is for everyone, that’s why we are having this summit to prove them wrong.” Maravilla II said.
