Travel Agent - May 26, 2008 - (Page 66)

TEEING OFF Tour operators and agents sound off on how best to sell this leisure sport BY SUSAN J. YOUNG For Golf Sales from South Africa, golf specialist Bud Rosenbaum, owner, Unique Golf Adventures in St. Louis, MO, is eagerly setting up a new golf-safari program. “This is not for the same ‘hard-core’ golfer who is going to Ireland or Scotland,” he says, “but rather for couples who are traveling together to South Africa for safari stays in some cases, in private locations, and in homes on some of the more exclusive golf courses in South Africa. “Many golfers might not choose the far-flung journey to South Africa just for golf, although it has magnificent courses,” Rosenbaum notes. “My approach is to instead target a traveling constituency for whom African culture and a safari [are of] interest, and then you get something of added value—a most economical golf destination.” J UST BACK Golf Combos Over the years, Rosenbaum has created unique golf programs, some involving special departures with an LPGA pro. Commissionable at 10 percent to other agents, this new African program is a good example of the new trend of combining golf with experiential travel. Rosenbaum has another golf business stream, operating a separate golf travel company with Stephanie Turner, president and CEO, Brentwood Travel Service (www.brentwoodtravel.com). Lately, more agents are seeking to emulate Rosenbaum in the game of selling golf. Reportedly, more than $20 billion worldwide is spent on golf travel, a figure cited by GolfAhoy.com (www. golfahoy.com), a home-based agency franchise group specializing in golf. The total number of golfers in the U.S. is about 28.7 million, according to a 2007 research study by the USA Sports Participation Study, a research collaboration of four associations, including the National Golf Foundation. Within that, there are 15 million “core golfers”—players who enjoy eight or more rounds annually. 66 | TravelAgent May 26, 2008 TOP: The fifteenth hole at the Adare Manor Hotel in Ireland ABOVE: Ron Bridge, owner, Carlson-Wagonlit Travel, and his wife at Waterville in Ireland http://www.brentwoodtravel.com http://GolfAhoy.com http://www.golfahoy.com http://www.golfahoy.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - May 26, 2008

Travel Agent - May 26, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Las Vegas: New Luxury Lounges and Gourmet Restaurants Lure Non-Gambling Vacationers Europe: Bettoja Hotels Provide a Personal Touch in Italy Pacific/Asia: Kyoto Blends History and Culture in a Serene City Pacific/Asia News and Notes Mexico: Food and Service Entice at Four All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Hotels Special Supplement: The Best of Portugal with Pestana and Pousadas Mexico Deals Caribbean: Region Makes Great Strides in the Ecotour Niche Caribbean News and Notes Cruises: A look at the Swiss Sapphire River Cruiser from its Christening and Inaugural Sailing Norwegian Cruise Lines offers something new Cover Story: Selling Golf Hotels: Golf Resorts with the Budget Golfer in Mind Resorts on Florida’s Gulf Coast Offer Getaway Deals for Summer and Fall Going for Gold: Hertz Incentive Program Encourages Agents to Book Car Rentals Tours: Summer Tour Packages Make the World Affordable for Your Clients Agent Profile: Connie Majors Goes the Extra Mile Members Know: American Express Joins the Networking Bandwagon Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar What Makes a Professional Agent? Hawaii Tourism Adjusts to Changes Asia is the Hot New Cruise Destination The Latest Caribbean Trends In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - May 26, 2008

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