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Ready to Travel Freely for Overseas Golf!

Consumers who have become accustomed to independent overseas travel are now planning their own overseas golf trips. According to AGL, the supplier of overseas golf course tee time reservation systems, the demand for booking overseas golf courses individually has increased by a staggering 1,400% compared to the previous year.

Regionally, Vietnam (43.6%), Thailand (23.9%), Guam, and Saipan (14.4%) ranked highest in demand, with Vietnam showing an expanding trend from Da Nang to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Dalat. In the case of Japan (11.4%), reservations for business-related trips are on the rise, particularly in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, and demand is also evident in warmer regions like Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Okinawa.

According to AGL, the average reservation lead time for independent travelers booking tee times individually is relatively short, ranging from one month to two weeks before the desired play date. This can be seen as similar to the context where independent travelers often book activities such as tours and tickets relatively later, after first reserving flights and hotels. Additionally, 50% of independent traveler reservations are for two-person rounds, which is significant and comparable to the proportion of three and four-person round reservations.

Let's Go, Just the Two of Us - A Round for Two

Golf is traditionally seen as a sport for four players, and most golf courses are set up with tee-off intervals based on groups of four. However, there is a growing trend of consumers who find it difficult to find companions or prefer to play a round as a twosome, without joining other groups. This trend is also evident in the overseas golf market. According to the travel industry, the reservation of twosome rounds is noticeably increasing, especially in countries like Thailand, the Philippines, and Japan, where it is relatively easier to book twosome rounds compared to domestic courses. As a result, it's now common to find golf packages and promotions that specifically emphasize the availability of "Two-Person Rounds" in their names or offer dedicated promotions for twosome rounds. Additionally, there is a growing trend of twosome reservations, even when players are willing to play with other twosome pairs.

Our Deep Love for Golf

The popularity of twosome rounds is closely tied to the increasing demand for couples and partners traveling together. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the golf industry saw a significant influx of the MZ generation (Millennials and Generation Z), who share golf as a common hobby. This led to the emergence of couples who not only enjoy playing golf together but also incorporate rounds into their couple vacations and, in some cases, even honeymoons. While honeymoon rounds are in demand in certain leisure destinations like Hawaii and Cancun, their overall market share is still relatively small.

According to major travel agencies, couples prefer twosome rounds in nearby destinations where they can combine sightseeing and relaxation, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Guam, and Saipan. Rather than filling their entire itinerary with golf, they tend to stay an extra day or two to enjoy the added experience of golf during their travels. Destinations like Clark in the Philippines, Saipan, Dubai, and Kagoshima in Japan stand out for twosome rounds, particularly among middle-aged couples. Additionally, couples who participate in amateur golf tournaments together are also becoming more noticeable in the golf scene.

Everything's Going Up Except My Salary!

After the onset of COVID-19, overseas golf travel resumed in earnest starting from last winter. However, due to the relatively delayed reopening of borders in Japan and the Greater China region, demand has been concentrated towards Southeast Asia. With the surge in prices post-COVID-19, coupled with increased demand, the fees at golf courses located in Southeast Asia have also seen an upward trend. Nevertheless, many analysts believe that these golf courses still maintain their competitiveness when compared to domestic options. Most golf courses in Southeast Asia include cart and caddy fees in their green fees, while in Japan, most rounds are non-caddy rounds, which helps in cost savings.

Ultra Low-Cost vs. Premium Golf Travel

In today's world, where averages seem to disappear, a clear polarization is evident even in overseas golf travel. Travelers are divided into those who seek all-inclusive packages with unlimited rounds focused solely on golf or those who are willing to pay a bit more for premium hotels and prestigious golf courses. Particularly, there is a steady demand for premium packages, albeit in smaller numbers. Major travel agencies have noticed a definite increase in consumers looking for all-inclusive packages that include business or premium economy class flights and exclude additional costs such as shopping, options, tips, etc.

Moreover, long-distance golf travel outside of Japan and Southeast Asia, such as to the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, is on the rise. Long-distance golf packages with flight times of over 6 hours can range from 5 to 20 million won per person or more, but the travel industry sees significance in the emerging demand for such packages.

Sources : Traveltimes (https://www.traveltimes.co.kr)

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