By Rahul Banerji
Travel to Thailand may still be some way off thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic and the ban on international flights, but encouraging signs are in the air.
Last week, the civil aviation minister said that point to point travel between the two countries – an “air bubble” in corona-speak – is in the process of negotiation.
Seven countries are already on the list and talks are under way to add a further 13 including Australia, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Thailand to the list.
Depending of course on local conditions, this suggests that resumed air links are not too far away and this will gladden those who have been forced to put plans on hold.
Vast variety
Thailand of course is a happy bundle of a package – from its sights, sounds and smells to its food, leisure and culture.
From Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai up north to Krabi and Phuket in the deep south and Bangkok and Hua Hin in between, there is much to explore and discover, even for the casual golfer.
A survey by Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi Office and Sports & Leisure Worldwide last month suggests that almost 88 per cent of the sample were waiting to travel overseas once opportunity arises.
Value offerings
“Amazing Thailand” as the TAT bills its home country, offers over 250 golf courses located throughout the country.
Top facilities and reasonable green fees attract golfers from around the world and to add value, SLW and TAT run the Thai Golf Passport loyalty programme to offer Indian golfers a seamless experience on their visits.
The TAT-SLW survey had a sample group of golfers that came from a mix of locations, genders, and golfing ability.
A key finding was that while travel was very much in their plans, a prime concern was safety with as many as 92% of the sample stressing on this factor.
Interestingly, close to 97% of those surveyed rated Thailand as one of the best golfing destinations based on hospitality, value for money and “affordable luxury”.
Proximity factor
Thailand’s proximity to India was another key factor in influencing those surveyed, a TAT press release said.
“I am glad to note that most golfers rated Thailand as one of the best golfing destinations,” said director TAT New Delhi, Vachirachai Sirisumpan.
“Thailand is a spectacular choice with stunning variety and vast selection of golf courses.
“In fact, destination diversity is a key factor attracting the large number of visitors coming to play golf in Thailand.
‘We conducted the survey to ascertain the impact of Covid-19 on golf tourism to Thailand and were happy to see the enthusiasm to travel for golf among Indian golfers.”
“The overwhelming bias towards Thailand as the no. 1 golfing destination was no surprise,” added Anil Dev of SLW.
“Golfers are a little more demanding when it comes to hospitality and Thailand wins hands down in that department.
“We expect Thailand will be the first destination for a golf holiday post Covid-19.”
Also read: Rose of the North, Chiang Mai, hosts Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2019
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