Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi is believed to hold richpotential for golf tourism, and it is taking various measures to tacklechallenges and turn this type of tourism into its signature travel products.

The capitalcity is currently home to five golf courses and about 10 golf trainingsites. The system of accommodation facilities is relatively diverse andprofessional, including modern four- and five-star hotels of such brands as JW Marriot, Sheraton, and Metropole, according to themunicipal Tourism Department.

DeputyDirector of the Tourism Department Nguyen Hong Minh said golf tourism is one ofhighly potential luxury tourism products of Vietnam, including Hanoi, helpingattract the travellers who are ready to spend big, particularly internationalones.

Surveys show that local golf courses are all large, professional,and up to international standard with diverse and beautiful landscapes. Many haveattracted players from nationwide, he noted, adding that this is an advantageof Hanoi.

Sharing theview, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Golf Association Pham ThanhTri said golf tourism is helping increase travel earnings for the country ingeneral and Hanoi in particular, especially from visitors from such key marketsas the Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, the US, and Europe.

At recentworkshops and discussions, experts pointed out that the modest number of golfcourses and high expenses have made Hanoi not charming enough in the eyes of domesticgolf tourists. Meanwhile, most of the courses are still operating independentlyand lack connectivity with one another or travel companies. A shortage of high-qualitymanpower with golf knowledge is also a hindrance to the courses’ operations,the Ha Noi Moi (New Hanoi) daily reported.

Tri perceivedthat it is necessary to have a specific business mechanism for golf tourism ofVietnam, including Hanoi, to compete with regional rivals. Golf courseoperators should also enhance connectivity to organise more national andinternational events to attract visitors.

Phung QuangThang, Chairman of the Hanoi branch of the Vietnam Society of Travel Agents, saidmore quality experience and entertainment activities connected with golf needto be created so that travellers can not only play the sport but also havechances to explore the city and spend on other services.

He also pointed out the need for golf courses to partner withtravel firms to develop attractive and diverse tourism products.

During hisvisit to Vietnam in 2022, President of the World Travel Awards Graham Cookesuggested Hanoi develop infrastructure serving international professional golftournaments which should also be held near international-standard accommodationestablishments as well as famous tourist sites.

Dang HuongGiang, Director of the municipal Tourism Department, said golf tourism will beone of the important tourism products of Hanoi in the time ahead, adding herdepartment will work with other parties to step up golf tourism promotion andhost reputable golf tournaments to draw more travellers, especiallyinternational ones, to the city./.