Thailand is rightly famed for its white sandy beaches, beautiful temples, incredible cuisine and a rich array of cultural experiences. But with all these iconic attractions on offer, golfing in Thailand does not always get the attention it deserves. Now, thanks to a series of promotional events hosted by The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), golfing holidays are enjoying their time in the spotlight.
From 17-19 September 2024, TAT hosted the Thailand Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) 2024, a business-to-business (B2B) marketplace designed to promote Thailand as a world-class golf destination. The event attracted a total of 63 golf holiday specialists and 59 exhibitors representing golf courses, country clubs, hotels and other related businesses form around the country.
“TGTM is an excellent opportunity to showcase Thailand as a top sports destination and a prime choice for golfers globally,” said Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications. “Tourism plays a crucial role as one of the key engines driving Thailand’s economy, and golf is a significant part of that.”
“Our world-class courses host major tournaments and offer year-round play, complemented by our renowned hospitality and a wide range of after-game activities, from tasting local dishes to exploring local experiences and indulging in wellness treatments,” added the Deputy Governor.
The event kicked off on 17 September with a Networking Golf Inspection and Tournament at Siam Country Club Bangkok and a Welcome Dinner at Topgolf Megacity. Then, on 18 September, the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel hosted a lavish opening ceremony, which was followed by various B2B sessions and networking events. The show wrapped up on 19 September with a Networking Golf Tournament at Riverdale Golf Club.
“Thailand is a well-known centre for golf in Asia, drawing golfers from all over the world with beautiful scenery, good weather and quality facilities,” said Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, Middle East, and Africa. “Golfers have a choice of outstanding courses or international tournaments across the country. Moreover, there are professional staff members who are hospitality workers, which makes every round memorable,” he added.
Thailand is home to more than 250 golf courses, which are suited to all levels of ability and experience. Some of the most popular include Gassan Legacy Golf Club in Lamphun, Santiburi Country Club in Chiang Rai, Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao in Chanthaburi, and Royal Creek Golf Club and Resort in Udon Thani.
Thailand’s credentials as a world-class golf destination are backed up by a range of prestigious awards. The most recent recognitions include the IAGTO Awards for Bangkok as the “Golf Destination of the Year 2024 (Southeast Asia)” and Nikanti Golf Club in Nakhon Pathom as the “Golf Course of the Year (Thailand)” and the World Golf Awards for Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin as “Thailand’s Best Golf Hotel 2023” and Siam Country Club Pattaya-Old Course as “Thailand’s Best Golf Course 2023”.
