Despite pioneering the game of golf in Asia, the Philippines now lags behind its neighbor countries on golf tourism.
Herminio “Menieng” Maravilla II, president of Asia’s oldest the Iloilo Golf and Country Club said in a press briefing at the Regional tourism office today that “there is really something wrong with our marketing.
“Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia Thailand and Vietnam are ahead of us in terms of golf tourism, and probably soon Cambodia and Laos could overtake us.”
While golf players generally belong to the elite they are considered high-end tourists, according to Tourism regional director Helen J. Catalbas.
“An average golf tourist brings in some US200 dollars per day or about P10,000,” Maravilla volunteered. He explained that the golf tourism industry directly involves over one million Filipinos.
The media briefing were in preparation to the “1st Iloilo Golf Summit” on September 20-22, 2019 in Iloilo City.
“The summit aims to gather more than 50 high-profile golfers, associations and decision-makers from all over the country,” a statement from the Regional tourism office said.
Maravilla noted that the golf summit could eventually draft a resolution requesting the national government to declare 2020 as “National Golf Tourism Year in the Philippines.” /(jft)
PHOTO: Iloilo Golf Club President Menieng Maravilla (2nd left) with Tourism Regional Director Helen J. Catalbas (right) at the press briefing.
