Golf tourism: An honest appraisal
Golf Plaisir operated in Malta from the end of February to the middle of May, 12 weeks with back-to-back business with new arrivals every week.During whole season we had around 400 clients, which meant an average of around 30-35 clients per week from...
Golf Plaisir operated in Malta from the end of February to the middle of May, 12 weeks with back-to-back business with new arrivals every week.
During whole season we had around 400 clients, which meant an average of around 30-35 clients per week from Golf Plaisir.
We had more requests for Malta than we could send as the interest was very high, but due to limited seats on Air Malta and especially limited availability at the golf course (Royal Malta Golf Course) we needed to say 'no' on specific weeks when the numbers were too big.
The feedback we received from the clients when they returned to Sweden was different. Most of the clients were happy with Malta as an island with the nature, culture, etc. Also most of the clients liked the hotel (Radisson SAS Bay Point).
The problem was the golf.
First of all, since the clients could not stay direct at the golf course, we needed a daily transfer.
This is always a problem since all our clients travel with us to play golf and they prefer to stay in a golf hotel directly at the course.
Second, we received a lot of complaints regarding the golf course: The condition was not always the best; the course was not of "normal length" (it was quite short); the availability was poor (it was often very crowded); and the lunch menu choice was not the best according to some of our clients.
It is very important to understand that Golf Plaisir always offers its clients daily green fee, meaning that the clients must have the possibility to play more than 18 holes per day. This was very difficult in Malta due to the crowded golf course.
This created problems for us. Also the fact that the members seemed unwilling to have Golf Plaisir as guests created "a bad atmosphere" for our clients.
The prices we paid were also a bit higher than normal. We decided to try Malta even if the package rate became higher for us, since we felt that Malta could be an interesting golfing destination.
But comparing to golf in Spain, Italy or Portugal, the golf in Malta was poorer and more expensive, which felt a bit sad.
For the autumn season 2008, we felt that we could keep up the volume that we had but maybe not increase it due to the poor feedback from our clients due to the problem with the golf club. For future seasons I am afraid the numbers would be even lower since the Royal Malta Golf is the only golf course at the moment.
Would we consider Malta if there were another golf course in the future?
The answer is yes! I feel that if there were one or two full length courses with competitive rates - and even better a hotel near by - Golf Plaisir would be back in Malta for sure, with even more clients.
Malta has the potential and Golf Plaisir has the clients.
• Mr Andersson is production manager, Golf Plaisir & Out Of Bounds Golfresor AB.
During whole season we had around 400 clients, which meant an average of around 30-35 clients per week from Golf Plaisir.
We had more requests for Malta than we could send as the interest was very high, but due to limited seats on Air Malta and especially limited availability at the golf course (Royal Malta Golf Course) we needed to say 'no' on specific weeks when the numbers were too big.
The feedback we received from the clients when they returned to Sweden was different. Most of the clients were happy with Malta as an island with the nature, culture, etc. Also most of the clients liked the hotel (Radisson SAS Bay Point).
The problem was the golf.
First of all, since the clients could not stay direct at the golf course, we needed a daily transfer.
This is always a problem since all our clients travel with us to play golf and they prefer to stay in a golf hotel directly at the course.
Second, we received a lot of complaints regarding the golf course: The condition was not always the best; the course was not of "normal length" (it was quite short); the availability was poor (it was often very crowded); and the lunch menu choice was not the best according to some of our clients.
It is very important to understand that Golf Plaisir always offers its clients daily green fee, meaning that the clients must have the possibility to play more than 18 holes per day. This was very difficult in Malta due to the crowded golf course.
This created problems for us. Also the fact that the members seemed unwilling to have Golf Plaisir as guests created "a bad atmosphere" for our clients.
The prices we paid were also a bit higher than normal. We decided to try Malta even if the package rate became higher for us, since we felt that Malta could be an interesting golfing destination.
But comparing to golf in Spain, Italy or Portugal, the golf in Malta was poorer and more expensive, which felt a bit sad.
For the autumn season 2008, we felt that we could keep up the volume that we had but maybe not increase it due to the poor feedback from our clients due to the problem with the golf club. For future seasons I am afraid the numbers would be even lower since the Royal Malta Golf is the only golf course at the moment.
Would we consider Malta if there were another golf course in the future?
The answer is yes! I feel that if there were one or two full length courses with competitive rates - and even better a hotel near by - Golf Plaisir would be back in Malta for sure, with even more clients.
Malta has the potential and Golf Plaisir has the clients.
• Mr Andersson is production manager, Golf Plaisir & Out Of Bounds Golfresor AB.