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"Golf Travel" a Business That Makes Sense Article courtesy of Summit Golf and Resort "Travel and Tourism" is the largest industry worldwide. Here in Panama, we have so much to offer both the business and vacation traveler that it creates a great opportunity to capture a larger share of this constantly increasing market, thus creating more revenue for both the public and private business sector. The money from travel and tourism filters down from the business operators to the employees, thus improving the total economy in general. One market that can help increase Panama's travel and tourism business is the "Golf Travel Market." In the United States alone, there are 25 million golfers, playing over 500 rounds and spending more than $14 billion per year. The statistics show that gofers make up the upper portion of the income brackets, have more discretionary income to spend, travel more for both business and pleasure and that they like to play golf when they travel. When you add these facts to the already established connection that Panama has with the United States, it is the natural next step target this market for travel into Panama. Now if you’re not familiar with the popularity of golf, and how the numbers mentioned above relate to the economy, all you have to do is look at a resort destination area called Palm Springs, California to realize the size and buying power of this segment of travelers. Palm Springs, California, once not long ago just a wide-open desert, is now called the “Golf Capital of the World.” The reason for this name is there are more golf courses per capita than any other place on our planet. Currently, in Palm Springs, there are 114 golf courses or one for every 3,478 residents and every 1.9 square miles. The fee for 18 holes of golf with a cart can range from a low of around $50.00 on up to $275.00 per player. Golf Club membership fees can range from a $5,000.00 initiation fee with a $300.00 per month dues payment on up to $325,000 initiation fee with $1,800.00 per month dues. As a PGA Professional and Resort General Manager for the past 20 years in the Palm Springs area, I can verify that this is a community of over 300,000 people, with the best hotels, restaurants, stores, living conditions, etc., all thriving as a result of the game of golf and the “Golf Travel Industry”. “Golf Travel” is not only a market in itself, but the promotion of Golf can also be used by other agencies, i.e., Airlines, Hotels, Transportation Companies, Tour Operators and Travel Agencies, as an added value to the services that already offer. Even within the Golf Industry itself, there is the value added business of golf instruction. With this in mind Summit Golf & Resort has created the Summit Golf Academy, offering the most up to date, high tech computer learning systems applicable to the game to golf. With the assistance of organizations like AMCHAM, IPAT, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as the businesses listed above, Summit Golf Resort is now offering a variety of “Golf Packages” that include Playing Golf, Golf Instructions, Hotel Rooms, Transportation, Meals, Local Tours, etc., that are being marketed in the U.S. As a golf Destination Resort, when you play Summit Golf Resort, you start with the natural beauty of the Panama tropical Rain Forest, set on a hilltop with panoramic views, Then you add a uniquely designed golf course that challenges both the beginner and the experienced enthusiast alike – and you have the ultimate experience in affordable country club and resort golf. As the annual host of the Tour de las Americas and the European Challenge Tour Summit Panama Masters, we have had son=me of the best professional players in the world play our outstanding golf course. Summit Golf Resort offers year-round playing conditions that can meet everyone’s needs. Tour will find not one but two golf courses: our challenging traditional classic 18 hole Championship Course, plus our rewarding and enjoyable 6 hole Executive Course specifically designed for Juniors or Beginners, offering the ideal place to learn to play the game of golf. There is also the Summit Golf Academy which offers a practice facility that includes a “covered” driving range, putting green with an area for chipping , and an indoor teaching facility offering computerized swing analysis and club fitting … not to mention our fully stocked pro-shop operated by PGA Professionals, with the best quality and selection of top name brands in Panama. We also offer a full service clubhouse with restaurant, bar, banquet room, and both men’s & women’s locker room, bag storage and shoe service. With our outstanding facilities and our professional service, our goal is to be known throughout Central and South America as the best golfing experience at the best value, “Affordable excellence in Country Club Golf.” www.summitgolfpanama.com |
