Associate Professor of Magadh University (India), Industry Professional, Bangkok, Thailand.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 24(03), 636-646
Received on 25 October 2024; revised on 01 December 2024; accepted on 04 December 2024
The current research paper offers a comprehensive and extensive review of golf tourism in Thailand through a considered analysis of its historical development, current state, driving factors, challenges, and future opportunities. It points out the nearness of the sector to the integration into the broader tourism sector, while it underlines the role it has played in economic development and the leisure tourism industry. It underlines the significance of effective marketing strategies aimed at attracting international golfers to maintain Thailand's position as a key destination, based on an in-depth analysis of the motivation of tourists, the distinctive characteristics of Thai golf tourism, and the trends of emerging demographics. The historical background very beautifully traces the origin of golf in Thailand and goes deep into its evolutionary process as it began to take shape into one of the important sports activities for recreation among locals and visitors. Assessment of the present state amazingly shows that across the country, golf courses have grown leaps and bounds, each with a different and incomparable charm in the form of breathtaking picture destinations. Factors that have been identified to drive and make golf tourism successful and highly attractive include favorable weather conditions in Thailand, remarkable affordability, world-class golf facilities, and endorsement by top celebrities. The paper also considers emerging challenges facing golf tourism in Thailand with a focused lens on sustainability. Notably, with the dire need for environmentally friendly golf course practices and responsible resource management, the study sheds invaluable light on how to minimize the possible negative impacts of golf tourism on the environment and to encourage sustainable development in the sector. Moreover, careful consideration of the very competitive nature evident within the regional market suggests that to remain competitive, innovation and improvement within the general concept of golf tourism must be a continuing process. This paper identifies strategic development plans, investment in infrastructure, and cooperation among stakeholders that will enable Thailand to command its leadership as the unequivocal number one destination for golf tourism in Southeast Asia. The significance of this study, both comprehensive and pioneering, within the sport management literature provides considerable insight into both golf tourism operators and other tourism professionals looking to capitalize on the opportunities that this fast-growing and highly lucrative market in Thailand has to offer. With a keen interest in trying to take advantage of this growing sector, Thai tourism professionals should consider the profound knowledge and suggestions from this research to ensure sustainable growth, improving the experiences of visitors, both for enthusiasts of golf and other travelers alike.
Tourism; Golf Sport; Sport Tourism; Golf Tourism; Thailand
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Aphisavadh Sirivadhanawaravachara. An analysis of golf tourism in Thailand. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 24(3), 636-646. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.3.3682