Thai Golf Tourism is Booming
- Thai Country Club, Bangkok
A group of European golf and travel writers who visited Thailand in October have sent glowing reports of their visit.
"I took back with me the pleasure of a nice country, the smiling people, great places to visit and exiting golf courses. In one sentence: the perfect place for a relaxing and amazing golf holiday," reported Italian freelance journalist Pietro Busconi.
"Thailand is a great golf destination, with wonderful courses and outstanding service. It's fascinating to play a round there. You're soon addicted and all you wish is returning pretty soon to Thailand," is how German writer Ingo Gruenpeter of Golf Time magazine recorded his experiences.
They were two of a part of 10 journalists and editors from England, Germany, Italy, Russia and South Africa who visited Bangkok and Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai on a week-long visit.
With the Tourism Authority of Thailand forecasting a record 19 million tourists in 2012, the inbound golf tourism industry is gearing up for one of its best seasons ever.
Up to 600,000 golf visitors are expected in the Kingdom next year, at least 50,000 more than in 2011. Based on average expenditure of $US3300 each, it is estimated that golfers will spend about $US2 billion on ground arrangements alone.
This makes Thailand one of the world's big three golf tourism destinations behind Spain, which greets an estimated one million foreign golfers every year, and the USA.
Meanwhile, Thailand's major golf regions are all reporting strong demand for the coming high season. "We believe next year will be at least equal to this year and perhaps even better," says Thai Country Club's general manager, T.W. Hughes.
"November to February is looking especially strong and as the golf hub of Asia, Thailand will reap the benefits," enthuses Banyan Golf Club general manager, Stacey Walton, referring to efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote inbound tourism.
Siam Country Club general manager, Prasertchai Phornprapha, also reports an upsurge in bookings. "When there is peace in Thailand it is the destination of choice because of its culture and value for money," he explains.
