AGL Overseas Golf Free Travel User Analysis
Da Nang 17.9%, Chiang Mai, Thailand 11.4%
Average Cost per Round 150,000 KRW
"Da Nang, Vietnam is the best destination."
The number of overseas golf travelers is rapidly increasing. Since COVID-19 has subsided this year, there has been explosive demand. Golfers hungry for winter golf are heading abroad. Difficulties in domestic bookings and excessively high green fees are also reasons for overseas golf travel. According to Modetour, the number of outbound overseas travelers in February was about 172,000, an increase of about 61% compared to the same period last year. Overseas package tours have recovered to about 80% of the level in February 2019, before COVID-19.
Where is the most preferred destination for domestic golf travelers? It was surveyed as Da Nang, Vietnam. Global golf tech company AGL announced statistics on users who took overseas golf free travel last year through affiliated channels such as Asiana Airlines, Shinhan Sol, Modetour, and Heytitime. The data was based on actual reservation data of golf courses located in more than 160 areas in 25 countries linked to AGL's TIGER GDS system used by Korean golfers. The region most visited by golfers last year was Da Nang, Vietnam, accounting for 17.9%. Da Nang is a preferred resort destination for domestic travelers. It has many attractions and food options, and the climate is good. Da Nang Beach is one of the world's six best beaches selected by Forbes in the United States. Da Nang is lined with famous golf courses.
In Vietnam, Da Nang (173,000 KRW), Nha Trang (163,000 KRW), Hanoi (218,000 KRW), and Ho Chi Minh (174,000 KRW) all showed round costs higher than the average (151,000 KRW), but Korean golfers had a high reservation rate. Another popular golf travel destination was Thailand. Chiang Mai had an 11.4% reservation rate, and Bangkok had 9.5%. The average round costs were 106,000 KRW and 131,000 KRW respectively, which were lower. It was the best golf destination for consumers who consider cost-effectiveness.
Last year, the average green fee for Korean golfers using overseas golf courses was about 151,000 KRW. This was the amount spent for one 18-hole round, including cart and caddie fees. Golfers' preferences varied depending on the round cost. There were two groups: a cost-effective golf group that preferred affordable prices, and a high-preference group that prioritized other factors such as facilities and course quality even if it was a bit more expensive.
Except for some prestigious golf courses in Europe and the United States, the cost for one round at golf courses in Okinawa, Guam, and Vietnam was relatively high. On the other hand, in Malaysia, except for Kota Kinabalu and some luxury golf courses, the average green fee was below 100,000 KRW. Domestic consumers enjoyed rounds mostly between 120,000 KRW and 180,000 KRW. About 7% of golfers used golf courses where the cost per round exceeded 200,000 KRW. Conversely, 8% of golfers enjoyed affordable golf at courses costing less than 60,000 KRW per round.
Based on Incheon Airport, the average travel time for golfers was 5 to 6 hours. For regions without direct flights, the time included vehicle travel from the airport to the golf course. Major Vietnamese regions such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Dalat, and Hanoi belonged to the 5 to 6-hour group. Next, golfers traveled to Thailand, which took 6 to 7 hours. On the other hand, China, Cebu in the Philippines, and Myanmar, which took less than 5 hours, showed relatively low preference due to the small number of golf courses.
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