TAT pushes golf tourism to Phuket and Pattaya

PHUKET: The Tourism Authority of Thailand has joined with several groups to support a tour package aimed at increasing domestic golf tourism between Pattaya and Phuket.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) official Suwannachai Rithirak said the TAT’s Pattaya and Phuket offices teamed up for the promotion.

“We are seeing a great potential in golf which we believe will motivate golfers who reside in Pattaya and Phuket to travel between these two points to experience some of Thailand’s most beautiful golf courses.”

Bangkok Airways has flights between Pattaya and Phuket, and the Bangkok Travel Club has arranged a package called Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise 2010, Mr Suwannachai said.

Chonlada Chevathakorn, managing director of Bangkok Travel Club Co, said packages start at 13,500 baht for travel between June 16 and August 15.

The offer includes return airfare aboard Bangkok Airways, two-night hotel stay with breakfast, airport transfer, fuel surcharge, travel insurance, airport taxes and greens fees for two 18-hole rounds of golf.

The following courses are taking part:

Pattaya: St Andrews 2000, Burapha Golf Club, Laem Chabang International Country Club, Siam Country Club, Bangpra International Golf Club, Pattana Golf and Sports Club, Khao Kheow Country Club, Eastern Star Golf Course.

Phuket: Phuket Country Club, Red Mountain Golf Club.

Bangkok Airways currently flies four flights weekly between Pattaya and Phuket.

Call the Bangkok Travel Club (1771, ext 3; or 02-255 8966) for reservations or more information.

— Stephen Fein