Golf Tourism Shows Resilience

Golf is one of few international tourism sectors continuing to grow despite global economic uncertainty, according to the chief executive of the International Association of Golf Tourism Operators, Peter Walton.

Addressing members of Thailand's Golf in a Kingdom destination marketing program in Bangkok this week, Mr Walton said golf tourism had recovered more quickly than other sectors since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. And despite continuing problems, especially in Europe, the sector was continuing to grow.

He said international golf tourism was expected to exceed 50 million travellers in 2011, and perhaps reach 55 million, equivalent to the level in 2007 before the GFC.

"Golf tourism bounces back more quickly than other sectors," he said. "In established markets, one in three golfers plan to travel in the next 12 months. That is a lot more than in other sectors, like skiing. We also know that golfers spend 120% more per person per day when staying in a resort than other travellers."

Mr Walton, who is visiting the region from his London headquarters in preparation for the inaugural IAGTO Asia Golf Tourism Convention in Kuala Lumpur next April, also said that whereas only 12% of the population in the United States played golf, golfers were responsible for 27% of US travel expenditure.

"While we don't have figures for other countries, this shows how important golf tourism is in the current international tourism climate," he said.

Mr Walton later said that Spain, the United States and Thailand were currently the big three international golf destinations, with Turkey and Portugal among developing countries that were rapidly increasing their golf tourism sectors.

The IAGTO has 1700 members in 94 countries and claims that its members are responsible for 80% of golf packages sold worldwide. In Asia, IAGTO has 209 tour operators selling golf in the region in 43 originating countries.

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