BANGKOK, Thailand — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with Golfasian have organized a five day golf familiarization (FAM) trip for Australian travel agents to Bangkok and Hua Hin that introduced them to the premier golfing available at these two Thai destinations. Golf travel representatives from the different Australian markets expressed their great satisfaction with and impression about golf in Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand indicated that the success of the golf FAM would help to lift the profile of Bangkok and Hua Hin as year round destinations for Australian golfers. Commenting on the trip, Anin Gujral, TAT Australia Marketing Officer, highlighted the importance of the golf FAM saying, “This is one of the major components of the Australia promotional campaign for Thailand. The golf FAM allowed the Australian agents to experience the world-class golf of Bangkok and Hua Hin, as well as the tourism, hotel, and resort facilities in both Thai cities. Our intention in scheduling this particular trip on the heels of the Thailand Travel Mart, a travel exhibition for the industry, was to leverage the excellent exposure received there, as well as welcoming new potential partnerships. The agent’s positive feedback will help to promote Thailand golf tourism in Australia and further increase the fame of Thailand throughout the region.” Mr. Gujral went on to say, “Organizing such trips contributes to the support of Thailand golf tourism on a massive scale. These FAM’s are one of the best ways to communicate with travel decision makers. It gives them first hand golfing experience of each destination. Bangkok is one of the most popular holiday cities for general tourism, but is lesser know to golfers. Hua Hin, while popular with locals is a relatively new destination for Australian golfers and is a good alternative to the more poplar golf destinations of Phuket and Pattaya. This trip will help the agents guide their customers when planning a Thailand golf holiday package.” Mark Siegel, Golfasian’s Managing Director, added, “Additional FAM trips are planned with other TAT offices to promote Thailand golf internationally. While continuing to actively sell Thailand golf on their own, Golfasian works closely with related tourism trade and associations to demonstrate the quality of the industry and year round playability of the Thailand golf courses and resorts. Having knowledgeable golf agents on board is the key to increase arrivals from a particular region.” The travel agents enjoyed each city, which included visits to spas, restaurants and entertainment centers, together with shopping areas. Before returning to their home towns, members of the familiarization group shared their thoughts about golf in Thailand. Bede Hendren, Teed-Up Australia director is a first-time golfer to Thailand. He expressed that Thailand is a high quality golf destination and good year round golf is available at numerous destinations. Golf courses such as Thai Country Club in Bangkok and Black Mountain in Hua Hin, both of whom will host major PGA tournaments, rival top courses anywhere in the world. This combined with world class resorts and year round favorable playing conditions make Thailand an ideal golf destination for Australians. Other members of the delegation expressed eagerness to take advantage of Thailand as a year round golf destination for Australians, saying that Thailand is well positioned to be one of their most prominent golf destinations. With over 250 courses to choose from and excellent value for money Thailand is a golfer’s paradise for both budget minded golfers and those seeking exclusive courses and unrivaled service. Moreover, the exotic Thai cultural characteristics and hospitality of it’s people make Thailand a truly unique golf destination and ensure its long term success. Throughout the year, TAT and Golfasian organize golf FAM groups from all over the world. Members of the groups will share their first hand golf experiences gained in Thailand with the target source markets when they return home. Participants in the golf FAM trips range from long-haul markets to nearby regions, and the trip will arm them with the knowledge to lead effective golf travel promotions in their home markets. Additional trips with golf travel agents and media representatives from other destinations are being planned. About TAT The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is specifically responsible for the promotion of tourism in Thailand. TAT supplies information and data on tourist areas to the public, publicizes Thailand with the intention of encouraging both Thai and international tourists to travel in and around Thailand, conducts studies to set development plans for tourist destinations, and co-operates with and supports the production and development of personnel in the field of tourism. TAT maintains over 30 offices worldwide, with Sydney being the main office responsible for Australia and Oceania. About Golfasian A privately-held Bangkok, Thailand based company; Golfasian was established in 1997, maintains its head office in Bangkok, Thailand, and has additional operations in all of the main golf tourist centers in Thailand. The company has served over 10,000 satisfied golfers and maintains a worldwide agent network who organizes group golf tours to Thailand. The company been recognized by TAT as one of the leading inbound golf tour operators in Thailand and specializes in exclusive and multi-destination golf vacations, partnering with all the premier golf courses and luxury golf resorts. If you are interested in promoting golf in Thailand please do not hesitate to contact Golfasian.