Business Bayani PH

In a bid to position itself as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, the Philippines is set to dive into the multibillion-dollar golf tourism industry, according to an announcement by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Speaking at the inaugural Philippine Golf Tourism Summit in Taguig on Tuesday, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco outlined the nation’s potential, stating, “With our stunning scenery, our favorable climates, our world-class courses, as well as our unique selling proposition, the Philippines can become a premier destination for golfers around the world.”

The DOT aims to collaborate with both public and private stakeholders to enhance the tourism product and attract more international travelers to the country. Frasco emphasized the global golf tourism market’s projected growth to over $41.87 billion by 2030, underscoring the significance of tapping into this promising sector.

At the summit, Mike Besa, a golf management and marketing consultant at the Ponderosa Golf Club, highlighted the financial allure of golf tourism. He noted that a golf tourist typically spends “150 percent” more than an average leisure traveler on a daily basis.

Besa recommended key strategies to capitalize on this potential windfall, including making tee times accessible to regular travelers, incentivizing golf courses to upgrade infrastructure, and expanding the capacity to host more golfers from around the world.

“The rest is about refining the Philippines experience using the abundant gift the country has to offer to make a unique and lasting impression on our guests,” he emphasized.

Fe Abling-Yu, president of the Philippine Tour Operators’ Association, emphasized the importance of increased engagement with international events and tournaments to integrate golf seamlessly into the Philippine tourism industry. She stressed the need for tailor-fit golf packages for both leisure and professional golfers.

In response, Secretary Frasco reassured that the DOT is committed to exploring all options to develop the market further. She expressed the intention to propose incentivizing golf courses to the Department of Finance, stating, “It is certainly a matter that we would be happy to take up, especially with the Department of Finance as far as the economics, in terms of the benefits that providing incentives can bring to the improvement of golf tourism in the country.”

“This is but the first step in terms of the collaboration between the public and private sector in revisiting government policy, as well as taking a look at how we can make the Philippines a more attractive golf tourism destination, especially in terms of improving infrastructure,” Frasco added.

Presently, the Philippines boasts over 100 golf courses spread across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The Santa Barbara Golf Course in Iloilo province, established in 1907, holds the distinction of being the oldest in the country.

As the Philippines aims to make significant strides in the golf tourism industry, the government’s proactive approach signals a commitment to capitalizing on the nation’s natural beauty and world-class golf courses to draw golf enthusiasts from around the globe.◼