Inaugurating a workshop to promote golf tourism in New Delhi on Friday, the Union minister of culture and HUPA, Kumari Selja said by promoting niche tourism the government can break the October to March Syndrome that affects India Tourism particularly thinning down foreign tourist arrivals.

She said that according to golf experts 52% of travelling golfers are likely to take two or more golfing holidays in a year and they spend on an average, 33% more on their holidays as compared to regular holiday makers. It is estimated that 70-78% golfers would be prepared to visit a new golfing destination and this community represents the
wealthiest 50% of all golfers. Therefore promotion of golf tourism is necessary.

The Union Ministry of Tourism is making efforts to position India as a year round destination and it is government’s priority to develop multiple tourism products to attract all segment of tourists round the
year.

Ms Selja said the initiative of the tourism ministry to promote golf as a niche tourism product and also position India, as a preferred golfing destination in the region was a major step. She said, this would not only showcase its beautiful golf courses but also the diverse tourism attractions that we have for any tourist. She said that how golf as a sport can be developed as a tourism product especially to attract the high-end tourists must be discussed thoroughly in the workshop to achieve desired results.

The minister said India has several golf courses of international standard. Further, golf events held in India also attract domestic and international tourists. With international tourists expected to grow in the next few years, it is important that India has the right product to meet the need of the visitors.

Recognizing this potential to develop golf as a niche tourism product for attracting both International and domestic tourists, the tourism
ministry has organized this workshop on “Promotion of Golf Tourism”.

The objective of this workshop is to evolve a road map for formulating strategies for development and promotion of golf tourism in India.

In workshop the participants comprising golf clubs, corporate, travel trade representatives, professional golfers, golf event managers suggested strategies for marketing and promotion of international domestic golf tourism, identification and improvement of golf infrastructure, developing linkages with hotels, travel trade and MICE segment. The Union tourism secretary, R H Khawja said that the recommendation would be taken on board to make India a destination for global golf tourism.