Hua Hin (Thailand) – August 17, 2015 (travelindex.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted the Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2015 from August 4 to 6, 2015 at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel. The aim of the trade fair was to attract more golfers to Thailand and to highlight the kingdom's rapidly growing popularity as a premier golf destination.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will promote the Kingdom as a "high-quality leisure destination with authentic Thai culture." Golf fits perfectly with this goal and has been identified as one of the priority niche markets. This also aligns with the TAT's strategy to promote travel and tourism in the provinces and distribute tourism revenue nationwide.

For this event, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has invited 153 golf travel buyers from 27 overseas offices to meet with 95 suppliers at the golf trade show. These suppliers include golf courses and service providers such as golf schools, equipment retailers, Thai travel agencies and tour operators, hotels, spas, and other companies in the industry. 43 media representatives have also been invited to attend.

The golf market offers buyers and media representatives an excellent opportunity to familiarize themselves with Thailand's world-class golf courses, to make contacts with sellers and to learn about the service facilities.

Thailand boasts more than 200 world-class golf courses, many of which have been flawlessly designed by internationally renowned architects.

Ms. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Acting Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas), said: “Golfers can enjoy their game and a holiday here. Challenging and exciting golf courses with well-trained and courteous Thai caddies are the reasons why Thailand is so popular with golf enthusiasts, especially from Japan, Korea, Europe and increasingly from India and China.”

"We offer attractive green fees with excellent value for money, superb clubhouse facilities with delicious Thai cuisine, and challenging fairways in an exotic tropical setting. The courses are playable year-round. In addition, we offer facilities for relaxation after your round, such as wellness areas and traditional massages."

Many Thai golf courses and destinations win international awards. Pattaya and Hua Hin were chosen as Golf Destination of the Year for Asia and Australia, respectively, by the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) in 2012 and 2014.

In 2013, approximately 700,000 visitors came to Thailand, either specifically to play golf or as part of a broader leisure program, generating estimated revenues of 10 billion baht.

The number of international visitors to Thailand between January and May 2015 totaled 12.4 million, an increase of 25% compared to the same period in 2014. These visitors generated tourism revenue of 592.9 billion baht, a rise of 25.13%. For 2015, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts 28.8 million international visitors, which are expected to generate tourism revenue of approximately 1.4 trillion baht.

International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.TATnews.org