Golf tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel industry, and as a luxury segment, it has massive potential, says David Frost, CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa).

Considering this trend and SA being home to top golf courses and golfing stars, Satsa has launched its new Golf Chapter, aimed at bringing together the golf tourism community within its membership.

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Satsa is an industry body for the inbound tourism sector and represents the private sector trade associations in five SADC (Sothern African Development Community) countries.

“This is a breakthrough in coordinated golf tourism promotion for South Africa, as golfers spend 120% more per person per day than the average tourist,” Frost.

“We aim to tap into this potential to promote high-value experiences across Southern Africa for both international and domestic travellers,” adds Frost.

The launch of the Golf Chapter follows years of work by Satsa to formalise a partnership with South African Tourism (SAT) around collaborative golf tourism promotion.

“Having a Golf Tourism Chapter within Satsa allows for structured engagement with SAT.  Under the umbrella of Satsa, it provides the golf tourism industry with a platform from which to drive this important tourism sector for South Africa,” says Carl Reinders, co-owner of Pro Golf Africa Safaris.

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The group is a Satsa member and Reinders has been appointed as chair of the Golf Chapter.

“Our major competitors in this segment do not face the challenge of being long-haul destinations, but in terms of value and the overall offering, South Africa has far more to offer over and above the quality of our golf courses and hospitality,” he points out.

“When you add cultural experiences, gastronomy, wine, great weather all-year-round, the beauty of our country, and of course safaris, there is no country that can compete with our offering,” declares Reinders.

According to Frost, Satsa has now submitted a business plan to SAT that focuses on creating awareness around South Africa as a premier golf destination.

Key elements include sponsoring a South Africa pavilion with 12 exhibitors and funding a destination presentation at the biggest golf trade show in the world, the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) conference, which will be held in Lisbon in October.

“Satsa has also suggested a familiarisation trip for international golf tour operators and pros to experience firsthand South Africa’s world-class but underappreciated golf offerings and the making of a promotional video showcase,” notes the organisation.

“The launch of this chapter represents our ongoing commitment to enriching the services we offer our members. We invite them, whether involved in golf tourism or simply interested in exploring synergies, to join and contribute,” says Frost.

The chapter has been integrated into Satsa’s membership system for ease of access, and members can join by logging into their Satsa profile and updating it by selecting the Golf Tourism Chapter option.