The Tourism Authority of the country has introduced the Thai Golf Passport as a travel loyalty programme to create a seamless experience for Indian golfers

From pristine sandy beaches to lush jungles, bustling busy cities and traditional villages, Michelin-starred menus to roadside noodle stalls, historic Buddhist temples to 21st century skyscrapers, Thailand could be truly amazing. The country also has world-class golf facilities.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi, has introduced a FAM trip to Thailand to explore the various possible ways to make ‘Thai Golf Passport’ a success and an exciting golf travel loyalty programmes for those who [pursue the sport avidly. The highlight of the event would be the Thai New Year — The Songkran Festival.

There are more than 200 golf courses around the country, by the sea, mountains, lakes, in the cities and even besides its airports. From Phuket to Bangkok and Pattaya, there are golf courses to suit different preferences.

Anil Dev, managing director, Golf Plus Monthly said, “When it comes to golf tourism, there is no destination which comes close to Thailand. The Thai Golf Pass is a unique programme that pushes players to experience the sport in this paradise. The programme has been appreciated by the golfing community in India as well as the various partners of the programme.”

Besides networking with the golf suppliers, the delegates can experience the hospitality of the Zign Hotel in Pattaya and Centre Point Sukhumvit 10; the teeing off at the Chee Chan Golf Resort and Pattana Golf Club freezing tour of ice sculptures at the frost magical ice of Siam.

Rishi Tomar, chief operating officer, SLW Golf Management said, “The initiative was launched in India to offer Indian golfers a seamless experience in Thailand.”

He added, “A number of quality service providers like Thai Airways, Cox & Kings, Callaway and other golf courses, resorts and hotels have come together to partner this initiative.”

Isra Stapanaseth, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, “I would like to congratulate all the partners of Thai Golf Pass, Anil Dev and his team for the success of the project. With ‘Amazing Thailand,’ golf paradise with more than 250 international standard golf courses, professional caddies, warm hospitality, wellness, food and entertainment, we look forward to Indian golfers being a part of this loyalty programme and experience services.”

Commenting on the initiative’s success, Chitranjan Bakhshi, business head, Golf Holidays, Cox & Kings said, “We believe in providing quality service to our customers and this initiative will also help in validating this claim. We are proud to be associated with Tourism Authority of Thailand and this first-ever golf travel loyalty program.”

Rajan Sehgal, president, Indian Golf Travel Association, said that golfing in Thailand is memorable. He said, “The programme is unique to India. While hotels and airlines have loyalty programmes, this will be a first of its kind where a country will be executing something like this. With well-maintained courses, professionalism, high connectivity and great hospitality, golfing in Thailand has always been a great experience for me.”

Adding to that, Meraj Shah, writer and producer, Wion Traveller, said, “I have been to Thailand for golfing many a times. I’ve played in Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Khao Yai, Chiang Mai, to name a few places. I couldn’t be happier heading back to the same places. It’s my favourite country to visit — for the golf, its food and beaches and its nightlife.”

With NokScoot Airlines providing direct flights from Delhi to Bangkok, travel has become smooth and hassle-free.

Yodchai Sudhidhanakul, chief executive officer, NokScoot Airlines, said, “NokScoot has recently launched direct flights from Delhi to Bangkok, offering high service standards at affordable prices. We hope to welcome more golfers from India to enjoy the world-class courses which the country has to offer, along with the famous Thai hospitality.”

The programme will also give ‘Amazing’ rewards on redemption of loyalty points. With the fully-automatic and user-friendly online programme, it aims to bring all the suppliers under one platform.

The activities that began from December 2018 has the following focus points — To integrate their website with their travel partner websites; To host promotional events in India with three of them in Thailand; To increase the number of loyalty partners to 200, To increase membership’s base to cover 5,000 golfers.