Potential rises for golf tourism boom

Silk Path Golf Course JSC is set to open the Silk Path Dong Trieu Golf Course in Quang Ninh province in November, following three years of development. The 27-hole course includes 18 holes that meet world-class tournament standards and nine holes tailored for beginners, making it an appealing destination for both local and regional golfers.

Potential rises for golf tourism boom

With an increasing number of golfers but a relatively limited supply of courses, Silk Path Dong Trieu offers a fresh option for golf enthusiasts seeking a premium experience, its creators say.

Elsewhere, the Golden Sands Golf Resort opened in Thua Thien-Hue’s Phu Vang district in September, further enriching the region’s tourism offerings. Developed by BRG Group, the new resort underscores the company’s commitment to providing modern, high-quality experiences for golfers.

As Thua Thien-Hue is poised to become a centrally governed city, BRG’s contribution supports the province’s economic and tourism ambitions by ensuring memorable experiences for visiting golfers.

“Vietnam has great potential for developing world-class courses, supported by its landscapes, climate, and friendly culture,” said Mark Reeves, deputy general director of BRG Group. “Golf tourism aligns closely with the government’s tourism strategy, promising a bright future for Vietnam’s golf industry in the years ahead.”

Golf tourism attracts high-end clients who benefit the local economy through hotel stays, dining, and other services, and also creates numerous job opportunities. With additional government support, Vietnam can position itself as a leading golf destination in Asia, Reeves added.

Phan Quy Phuong, Vice Chairman of Thua Thien-Hue People’s Committee, highlighted the province’s proactive approach to attracting investment in high-end tourism. “We’re extending a warm welcome to domestic and foreign investors to help our tourism sector flourish with unique products and services like golf and meetings industry events, which can encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more,” he said. “The Golden Sands Golf Resort will undoubtedly be a turning point, aiding in the diversification of our tourism model.”

In May, the People’s Committee of Bac Giang province approved a plan for an urban resort, entertainment complex, and golf course in the Yen The area. Around the same time, Ia Grai district in Gia Lai presented information to the provincial People’s Committee on two golf projects covering a combined 550 hectares.

Additionally, Hoa Binh is aiming to develop nearly 40 golf courses by 2050, with projects concentrated in Hoa Binh city and other districts. By 2050, Vinh Phuc also plans to establish 40 resort projects featuring golf courses, focusing on Vinh Yen, Tam Dao, and Vinh Tuong districts.

Meanwhile, Quang Ninh has designated 22 new golf courses, many planned around the renowned Halong Bay, and Thai Nguyen is introducing more than a dozen offerings across Pho Yen and Thai Nguyen city, as well as in Dai Tu and Phu Binh districts.

Currently, Hoa Binh has two courses, Vinh Phuc has four, and Quang Ninh hosts six.

The global golf tourism market is expanding rapidly, with the International Association of Golf Tour Operators reporting nearly 60 million golfers worldwide. Known for higher spending and longer stays, golf travellers contribute significantly to tourism revenue.

According to the Vietnam Golf Association, by the end of 2023, Vietnam had over 50,000 local golfers and 20,000 foreign residents playing golf. The total number of golfers is expected to rise substantially in the coming years.

Golf tourists typically stay for 4–5 days and spend an average of VND40 million ($1,650) per trip, excluding airfare, while often opting for premium products and services. This makes them one of the most lucrative tourist groups, bringing substantial revenue to hotels, restaurants, and other high-end tourism providers.

Vu The Binh, chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association said, “Beyond its potential, investing in golf tourism allows Vietnamese tourism to diversify its products, improve service quality, and draw in visitors with higher spending power. The growth of the golf industry has already brought in golf groups from around the world, especially businesspeople who are interested in staying longer and experiencing a variety of courses.”

Vietnam’s 2030 Tourism Development Strategy, endorsed in early 2023, underscores golf tourism as a major growth driver. This strategy envisions Vietnam as a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia, known for its brand and competitiveness. Key priorities include expanding infrastructure and niche tourism products, such as golf, to diversify Vietnam’s tourism landscape and attract international visitors.

The strategy sets ambitious targets for 2025, including welcoming 18 million international tourists and 130 million domestic visitors, with tourism expected to account for 8-9 per cent of the GDP. By 2030, Vietnam aims to pull in 35 million international visitors and 160 million domestic tourists, with tourism directly contributing 13-14 per cent of GDP.

Projections for 2045 suggest tourism could comprise up to 17-18 per cent of the national GDP, reflecting the sector’s expected role in economic growth.

Golf tour contributes to Vietnam’s tourism Golf tours are considered a golden opportunity for Vietnam’s tourism, while also contributing to fostering the country’s broader economy.

Vietnam Golf Coast clubs teed up for another milestone year Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) clubs are targeting another milestone year for Central Vietnam as a golfing hub in Asia following a record-breaking 2023.

Vietnam a golden land for golf tourism Vietnam is rapidly positioning itself as a premier golf destination in Asia, with supportive development policies adding to its attractiveness and creating a robust foundation for funding in golf course development.

The promising future of Vietnam’s golf tourism Standing in the heart of the newly inaugurated Golden Sands Golf Resort, located along the beautiful coastline in Vinh Xuan and Vinh Thanh in Thua Thien-Hue province, Mark Reeves, deputy general director of BRG Group, expressed his excitement and desire to elevating Vietnam’s golf tourism and boosting Thua Thien-Hue's overall appeal as a premier golf destination. (NOTE: This is PR/ Emagazine story)