Bookings for the third annual South African Golf Summit at Fancourt from 20 to 23 April 2008 are filling up fast as key industry stakeholders move to ensure their input into what has become the main forum for the industry in the country.
The annual summit brings together key government, developers, operators and investors involved in the development of golf resorts, courses and estates. It is also a popular networking platform for people in the industry and an important date on the local golfing calendar.
Fancourt CEO Ingrid Diesel said that among the key goals for the summit this year was the establishment of a strong representative body that could be a collective voice for the industry.
“Golf affects lives and issues on many levels and therefore should be represented in all spheres of influence. During the past two summits we have identified many matters that need to be addressed and our efforts are being streamlined. It is time to focus the summit outcomes in such a way that it actually makes a difference where it matters…in the industry itself and the lives that it affects on a daily basis,” said Diesel.
Fancourt marketing director Kwakye Donkor said the industry should speak as one voice in matters of government, environment, sport, community, business, tourism and development.
“The golf industry is sometimes portrayed as an uncaring, insensitive and greedy bunch of pleasure seekers that have no consideration for environment, disadvantaged communities and sustainability. This is absolutely not true. A great part of this summit is about finding ways in which we can ensure that all communities benefit from golf. We continue to seek the most environmentally friendly ways to develop golf courses and accompanying residences. We make a serious effort to seek out the needs and wishes of the locals who are directly and indirectly affected. The fact is that golf and golf estates contribute to tourism, local economy, job creation, aesthetics and much more.
“There have been continued calls from specifically government, but also from other sectors, that golf speak with a unified voice to ensure that all matters affecting all sectors can be sufficiently be addressed. This summit will make a concerted effort to make this body happen,” said Donkor.
Fancourt www.fancourt.com