Tourism officials in the southern Philippines are looking into golf tourism as a way of making Davao City more attractive to foreign golf enthusiasts, particularly those from Japan and South Korea.
That said, city officials have convened their Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Board for a two-pronged approach that aims to promote Davao City as a venue for both MICE and golf.
According to board co-chair Gene Bangayan: “We are looking into promoting golf tourism in Japan, because it’s a sport that the Japanese love. And it isn’t just them; the Koreans are really keen on golf and are looking for venues where they can play as it’s expensive for them to play elsewhere.”
Beyond MICE
Given how many corporate executives play to unwind, sports tourism is increasingly being seen as a valuable extension to many MICE programmes throughout the world.
Indeed, sporting programmes are instrumental in terms of attracting attendees and enhancing engagement, encouraging them to extend their stay, and support other related businesses in their host areas.
According to Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director in Davao Tanya Rabal Tan, the city has three golf courses that can be offered to sport-loving tourists.
She said: “In Davao City we have three 18-hole golf courses, and we actually have a nine-hole golf course in Mati City. There’s a big market for golf and we have big potential for that.”
The three golf courses in Davao City include the Apo Golf and Country Club in Bago Aplaya, South Pacific Golf Club in Catalunan Pequeño, Rancho Palos Verdes in Mandug.
In Mati City, Davao Oriental, there is the nine-hole Don Paco Rocamora Golf and Country Club located in Dahican.
Tan added that there are currently several tour operators who are preparing packages for golf in Davao.
She said: “These packages are intended for both the local and international markets.”
