Thailand targets American golfers
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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to have a major presence at the North America Golf Tourism Convention, taking place in California from 18-21 May 2011.
Thailand is the only Asian country to be featured as a major sponsor of the event, which is expected to see more than 100 buyers of golf tourism.
Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe and the Americas, said; “This year, we have set a strategy to expand quality tourists in the American region by stepping up our promotions of the golf tourism market.
“This is due to the fact that golfers still have high spending power. In times of recurring and unpredictable crisis every week and a highly competitive market, the TAT needs to continue to attract market segments which still have the desire and the means to travel. Golf tourism is one such segment.”
Late last year, TAT organised a familiarisation trip for 22 golf tour operators to survey golf courses in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai.
According to the International Association of Golf Tour Operator (IAGTO), which is hosting the California event, its membership includes 370 golf tour operators from 51 countries who only sell golfing holidays. Of these, 144 companies sell golf tours to Thailand.
Ms Juthaporn added; “The IAGTO has stressed that Thailand has great potential to expand its profile among the rest of the golfing operators who are not yet selling Thailand. We will work with IAGTO more intensively in the future to find ways to cooperate in promoting the golf market.”
In addition to cooperation with IAGTO, TAT also participated in the PGA Merchandise Show in Florida last January. The event was attended by nearly 42,000 PGA professionals and industry executives from 88 countries and nearly every US state.
Two marketing activities targeted at the golf sector are underway in Thailand between 20-29 March. A group of 16 golf industry journalists from the US, Canada, UK, Italy, Sweden and Denmark have been invited on a fam trip that will take them to golf courses of Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai.
Also, a group of 10 teaching professional golfers from USA are visiting Thailand to survey the golf courses and supporting facilities and services, and also get ideas for organising golf holiday packages.
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