Golf zone works for sellers

BANGKOK, 11 June 2012: Golf sellers say Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2012 will open more business channels to draw more golfers to the country.

They were commenting on the sideline of TTM+2012, as the golf niche was introduced as a zone at the annual show for the first time attracting nine seller companies.

Attending the event for the first time as a seller, Alpine Golf Club Marketing Communication officer, Panadda Piampreechachan, said it gave golf courses an opportunity to tap the traditional tour operator market.

“We were particularly interested in business from the Mekong Region and hope it will attract new markets from Europe and the Middle East.”

On day one the company had 13  appointments with buyers out of 15, while another 10 buyers paid unscheduled visits.

Buyers represented Japan (seven); China (six); India (three); Australia and Vietnam (two each); and Malaysia, UK, the United States, France and Spain (one each).

Ms Panadda said 90% of the club’s 1,000 members were Japanese residents living  in Bangkok, but it  also offers tee-off times for tourists usually managed by participating local golf tour companies

Thailand Golf and Leisure Co Ltd managing director, Paisan Boon In, said the show raised the profile of golf tourism in Thailand and that was positive.

“TAT has been backing golf tourism for more than 10 years and it is now paying off and this event will strengthen the niche.”

But he believes golf deserves its own specialised golf travel mart, besides a zone at the TTM, to concentrate on specialised buyers.

Imperial Lake View Resort and Golf Club senior sales manager, Pornthip Sawangumporn, said zoning the show with niche markets was a very positive trend.

“This year, we see China, Vietnam and India sending golf tour business  to Thailand on top of traditional golf markets, Japan and South Korea.”

Claiming the golf zone made it easier for buyers, Vintage Club sales and marketing manager, Jutharat Chanapagdee, said it should help to build business from Singapore, China, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Sourced: ttrweekly