Golf industry colleagues… Who would you say is better placed to assist with golf travel strategy in a local region, the DMO or the county golf union? The answer to the question is not straight forward. You’d assume both would have an interest at getting more visitors to the golf courses/hotels/restaurants/bars/etc… I think we do a pretty good job at driving the golf travel sector into the regions we cover, but had very little and in most cases zero engagement from either golf unions or DMO’s. I think the problem is you have a DMO who are excellent at driving engagement for their members and attractions, but lack knowledge of golf and the possible scale of the market. A then you have a golf union who are focused on running elite teams and competitions, but forget they could provide education and become a conduit for the DMO’s and regional tour ops in terms of driving more visitors at the right times. Fill the course when it’s empty and membership fees stay resonable. Keep fees reasonable, more members, more union fees! There is more often than not a knowledge gap in the middle of these two. Bridge that gap and you can hone in on how lucrative this market can be for the local economies. How many clubs do you see advertising “accommodation nearby”. Nearly all. How many DMO’s do you see activity promoting/funding golf travel to their region. Nearly none. We bridge this gap and with the people leading these organisations spotting this opportunity, educating their member clubs/hotels/venues, you can create additional revenue for clubs, hotels, restaurants and the wider service economy. It’s a cliché, but many golfers do have money. They do spend it. And they like to spend it on golf and holidays! DMO’s and unions. Spot the opportunity. Combine forces with your golf DMC’s. There’s huge potential market out there that could do with your support! 😁
