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Previous conferences
International Golf Resort and Leisure-Integrated Real Estate Forum focusing on Europe, the Middle East, the Mediterranean basin and the Near East "A quality conference focusing on the commercial and investment aspects of the golf development, management and resort industry is long overdue in Europe, the Middle East and Africa." -- Keith Haslam, Operations Director, PGA Golf Management Ltd., United Kingdom; member of the Steering Committee, INVgolf Investment Forum 2005 (PGA Golf Management is part of the commercial division of the PGA and offers management and marketing services to owners and developers of golf facilities. In addition to working with St Andrews Links Trust (a charitable organisation established in 1974, which is responsible for the management and maintenance of the Links courses at St Andrews in Scotland, including the famous Old Course, which hosted this year's Open Championship), it has clients and projects in Ireland, France, Spain, Crete, Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain) On April 23-24, 2005, INVgolf organised its two-day conference focusing on the commercial and investment aspects of the golf development, management and residential resort industry in Europe, the Middle East, the Mediterranean basin and the Near East. The INVgolf Investment Forum in Belek attracted leading developers, project managers, owners, specialists, investors and other professionals, mainly from Europe and North America. Speakers from around the world outlined how golf developments and associated resorts were scheduled for "rapid take off" in many countries, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe as well as the Mediterranean basin (including North Africa). Many of the environmental and social concerns of such development were raised. Several case studies and investment presentations of developments in Poland, U.A.E., Greece, Turkey and Germany were also presented during the forum. Turkey is becoming a favourable investment and development location, which is no doubt assisted by its European club aspirations. Currently property is relatively cheap and the opportunities will no doubt be enhanced by the imminent arrival of the low-cost airlines. The INVgolf Investment Forum 2005 was held a few days after the Turkish Prime Minister officially opened a new second terminal at the Antalya International Airport. AYTerminal2, Turkey's second-biggest terminal with a passenger capacity of 10 million per annum, opened its doors on April 17, 2005.
But it is important for Turkey to stand back a little, in the rush to develop the tourism bonanza and ensure that a holistic approach is applied to the planning process with experienced consultancy teams and responsible developers. [more...] Who?
When? Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23, 2005 Where? Gloria Golf Resort, Acisu Mevkii, Belek, Serik, Antalya, Turkey What focus?
What concept?
Golf investors encouraged to embrace sustainable development At the INVgolf Investment Forum 2005 in Antalya, Turkey, the delegates received a number of presentations on the need for future golf projects to embrace the principles of sustainable development. Speakers from around the world outlined how golf developments and associated resorts were scheduled for "rapid take off" in many countries, particularly in southern and eastern Europe. Many of the environmental and social concerns of such development were raised. Jonathan Smith, CEO of the Committed to Green Foundation, summarised the need for golf developments to address important social and environmental issues, and emphasised that in the future, land for golf development will increasingly be restricted to development types which are sustainable. He also highlighted the need for more consistent application of Environmental Impact Assessment, as a means to improve communication between developers, planning authorities and communities on the actual positive and negative environmental impacts of a development. Also speaking at the event, Jeremy Slessor of European Golf Design Ltd. supported this approach and highlighted the role of the golf course architect in integrating environmental best practices into site master-planning and detailed course design features. Common queries amongst delegates focused on issues of water supply, water quality, habitat and species conservation (deforestation in particular), protection of cultural heritage and land use planning. It was widely felt that some credible, practical guidance on sustainable development of golf courses would be useful. This had the potential to guide developers and also provide a reference for planning authorities to assist them in assessing individual golf development proposals. [more...] A particularly articulate and poignant presentation came from Chris Panfil, Managing Director of Hart Howerton, London. He described how traditional golf resorts have tended to maximise the real estate exposure onto golf fairways, which has all too often led to generic and fairly non-distinct places. Conversely, some of the most successful resorts place golf as the central organising landscape strategy where real estate is consolidated surrounding a resort centre or golf village. Stunning landscapes have always been critical to establishing a setting and a sense of place for the most successful resorts. Golf can also be a vital component in enhancing the landscape. [more...] To view all the presentations delivered at the INVgolf Investment Forum 2005, order the limited-edition INVgolf CD Rom 2005 today!
INVgolf names honorees for 2005 Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Awards The following companies and organisations have been recognised by INVgolf at its 2005 Investment Forum for their outstanding achievements:
INVgolf's prestigious awards were presented at the forum's award ceremony, which was held at the Gloria Convention Centre in Belek, April 23. The gala dinner was attended by developers, investors, policy makers and leading experts from Europe, North America, Australia, Asia, the Mediterranean and the Near East.
Speakers, panellists and moderators
Local support Locally, the INVgolf Investment Forum 2005 is officially supported by the Association of Real Estate Investment Companies (GYODER), the Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TYD), which is currently Vice-Chairman of the WTO Business Council, the Belek Tourism Investors Association (BETUYAB), the Turkish Golf Federation (TGF), the American Business Forum in Turkey (ABFT, an Affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) and Young Businessmen Association of Turkey (GYIAD).
Speakers' corner "I look forward to a lively debate while chairing the 'Sustainable Development' panel. The balance between environmentally sensitive design, financial feasibility, and the regulatory context is becoming increasingly relevant to the development of golf resort communities world-wide. Issues of sustainability will be especially important for Turkey as it hopes to develop into the prime golf destination in the Eastern Mediterranean." -- J. Christoph Panfil , Managing Director, Hart Howerton, a group of 120 design professionals who focus on Designing Complete Environments through land planning, architecture, landscape architecture and interior design with offices in London, New York, San Francisco, as well as in Hawaii, Vail, Park City, and Minneapolis, USA; Chris will be chairing the 'Sustainable Development' panel on April 22 "As a hotel development consultant we are increasingly
brought in to advise on destination and golf resort development, which represents a
huge growth sector especially in emerging touristic locations. Very few owners/developers appreciate the need to integrate a range of facilities and to design these in an integrated and efficient way, and sadly few operators have the skills to leverage the profit potential whilst giving a seamless guest experience.
This conference provides a unique forum for all involved
-- whether owners, developers, investors, consultants, analysts, operators or suppliers
-- to really explore the issues, learn and benefit from this very special forum."
-- Martin Armitstead, Director of Hotels,
RH International (affiliated with Cushman and Wakefield); member of the Steering Committee,
INVgolf Investment Forum 2005
"I am delighted to present our unique Seeburg project in Berlin to the high-level delegates of the INVgolf Investment Forum 2005 from around the world," says A. Baron von Spoercken. "This is a unique development that will include a superb hotel with 175 rooms, 10 suites, 65 apartments, conference rooms and facilities, a wellness oasis with sauna landscape, fitness, massage and beauty parlours, two restaurants with bar facilities, an 18-hole championship golf course with practice facilities, a clubhouse with 12 apartments, a roof terrace, pro shop, restaurant, bar and other amenities. The freehold to this 87 ha. property is owned by Clubhaus AG, which is an innovative, dynamic and leading German company making its mark in the golf and leisure industry in my country. We are currently actively pursuing strategic partners and interested investors in order to implement this extraordinary project and develop an oasis just 20 minutes west of the Brandenburg Gate in Germany's capital city." -- Alexander Baron von Spoercken, CEO, Clubhaus AG and Vice-President, European Golf Course Owners Association (EGCOA); A. Baron von Spoercken will present the Seeburg Project during the 'Five Experts Comment on Four Projects in Three Countries' interactive session on April 22 "I am delighted to join the 'Sustainable Development' panel at the INVgolf Investment Forum 2005 on April 22. It is very important that this issue is properly addressed at the forum, because of the importance of Golf, not just to Development and Tourism, but also to the area as a whole. It is a marvellous event of international proportions and fits well with our brand. We are proud to be participating as sponsors of this event and will be eager to meet with resort owners, operators, investors, developers and other top-level strategic partners during this investment forum of strategic significance to the industry in Europe, the Middle East, the Mediterranean basin and the Near East, including Turkey." -- John Moore, Export Regional Sales Manager, Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd. "The European Institute of Golf Course Architects are very pleased to be represented at the second INVgolf Investment Forum 2005 to be held in Belek, Antalya, Turkey. With environmental and sustainability issues becoming increasingly important considerations for developers of golf and real estate projects, the involvement of properly qualified golf course architects, which the European Institute of Golf Course Architects represent, will be increasingly important. The success of a project depends on building a top-class team of experts who can work closely in the master-planning of a development and throughout its implementation to ensure that the quality of the detailing matches the excellence of the original concept. The eastern Mediterranean countries represent a growth area in golf course development and one in which the expertise and knowledge of our members should be called upon." -- Kenneth J. Moodie, Vice President, European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA), and Principal, Creative Golf Design, UK "Golf developments, if planned, designed and managed correctly, provide the opportunity for considerable economic, social and environmental enhancement. However, done badly, they can meet with considerable opposition, go through protracted and often fruitless planning processes and harm local environments and communities. With tightening environmental and planning legislation, it has never been so important for golf to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development. This effort is fundamental to the future growth and success of the golf industry. INVgolf Investment Forum 2005 offers a vital opportunity to learn more about sustainable development, discuss best practice examples and to consider its application in future golf developments." -- Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive, Committed to Green Foundation, UK "I am delighted to participate in the 'Sustainable Development' panel to discuss the significance of this dynamic approach to planning and design. It is incumbent upon us professionals in the development industry to leave a legacy of fiscal, social and environmental responsibility for future generations." -- Rick Jacobson, President, Jacobson Golf Course Design, Inc.; Member, American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), USA
Steering Committee of the INVgolf Investment Forum 2005 Co-Chairmen:
Members (in alphabetical order):
Special Adviser to the Steering Committee:
Introduction
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