Golf culture will boost Dominican Republic’s tourism income: experts

Cap Cana, Dominican Republic.- One of the most prominent golf writers and US strategist, on Tue. said to attract more tourists and advance in the lucrative tourism segment, the Dominican Republic must adopt a culture of the sport, which he affirms  would raise the country’s income from the hospitality industry.

James J. Keegan said the current 250,000 rounds of golf played annually in the country could jump to 440,000, generating 4.4 million dollars in revenue per course.

The expert provided the figures at a seminar hosted by the Dominican Republic Golf Travel Exchange 2017, which showcased the mounting interest in Dominican golf tourism.

The expert noted however that the country must take into account some aspects to attract high end tourists, such as golfers looking for luxury: easy booking in hotels and incentives for tour operators. “It’s also necessary to evaluate the design, the surroundings and the conditioning of play areas taking into account the steps for success, such as climate, financial parameters, technology and facilities in terms of architecture, work and tools.”

For GolfNow business director Kelly Fulford, who also spoke in event, the Dominican Republic can expand its golf tourism taking advantage of the vast database and its market reach.

He affirmed that of the country’s 30 courses, none is taking advantage of those tools. He said GolfNow has 9,000 golf courses and 3.5 million golfers registered on its website worldwide.

For his part, AMResorts regional and marketing director Luis Núñez, said the brand “recognizes the extraordinary destination that is the Dominican Republic and its incredible golf courses, and for that reason, we offer the highest number of rooms of the country at 7,000,  which created 6,746 jobs. “Our lodging capacity generates 750,000 tourists in just one year and this shows a good relationship with this destination at the service level.”

The executive said AMResorts owns six properties on Dominican soil, one in Puerto Plata and the another five in Bayahíbe, La Romana and Punta Cana, “and thanks to the support of tour operators they have become leaders in bringing tourists from the United States and Canada, resulting from the alliance with tour operators.”

Agenda

The DR Golf Travel Exchange agenda includes a workshop, which is a business meeting among travel agents, international tour operators, Dominican hoteliers, golf course managers and receptive operators.

It also includes a two-round golf tournament, the first at Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog and the final at Cap Cana’s Punta Espada, where players will be treated tp the quality of Dominican golf courses, as well as other complementary activities to get to know the country.