Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2018
More than 280 delegates from all over the world in attendance
The recent 2018 Thailand Golf Travel Mart (“TGTM”) held at the Duangjitt Resort and Spa in Patong, Phuket from 23rd to 26th July saw 128 buyers, 111 sellers, and 41 international media attend this trade event. Organised and hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (“TAT”), the annual event provided golf tour operators and buyers from key international markets networking opportunities to meet with suppliers and golf course owners from around Thailand.
In his address to TGTM delegates, Mr Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing & Communications, shared the TAT’S new marketing concept that has been running since the start of 2018 under their “Amazing Thailand” brand. Dubbed ‘Open to the New Shades’, he said the key idea is to encourage visitors to explore the diversity of travelling experiences in Thailand through five main categories: gastronomy, nature and the beach, culture, art and craft, and way of life. Explaining further using Phuket as an example, he highlighted that while
Phuket’s reputation is cemented as a well-known beach destination, not many people know it is also a rising sports venue that offers a variety of sports experiences such as surfing, sports & martial arts camps, triathlons, cycling and golf.
On golf, Mr Petsuwan revealed that golf is a promising sports segment that the TAT has been promoting in Thailand. He said, “In 2016, a total of around 400,000 serious players came to tee off in Thailand generating income of around USD 138.5 million (THB 4.88 billion). The average spending per person for golf is around USD 346 (THB 12,215), which is ranked as the second highest of all travelling activities in Thailand.”
He further added, “Thailand excels at delivering a complete golf experience. Not only the diversity of courses and amenities, but also unique local experiences that make Thailand competitive on both a regional and global level. Thai food is best-loved by tourists. Pleasure in the game should come with pleasure for food. So, we have blended these two and are promoting ‘Golf-gastronomy’ in order to shape out the golfing experience like no other. Particularly, after the launch of the Michelin Guide Bangkok, we will have the Michelin Guide Phuket- Phang Nga soon. Delectable cuisine with unique tastes is not just limited to the city, but across the country. Also, Phuket was acclaimed as the City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2015 due to its diversity of culinary legacy.”
It was also encouraged at the TGTM that golfers visit other notable golf courses in different parts of Thailand. Such as Gassan Khuntan Golf and Resort, Lamphun – located near Chiangmai, this course offers a challenging 18-hole course with a stunning peaceful mountain view surrounded by Doi Khuntan National Park. Victory Park Golf and Country Club, Nong Khai – located near the border to Laos in the Issan region, this championship 18-hole course is designed by James R. Vaughn and Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao, Chanthaburi - located in the eastern part of Thailand close to the Cambodian border. The resort is described as a “Breathtaking Highland Sanctuary”, as its guests are able to explore the nearby Khao Soi Dao Waterfall, Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary and the historic Chanthaburi town, all just a short drive away.
In addition to wonderful gala dinners for the TGTM delegates, they were also treated to rounds of golf at Phuket’s two well-known courses, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club and the Red Mountain Golf Club.