Golf In A Kingdom Launched Internationally

Bangkok, May 9 — The international launch of Golf In A Kingdom has given further emphasis to Thailand’s status as a leader in global golf tourism. Attended by tour operators and media from around the world, as well as Golf In A Kingdom members, the Mayor of Pattaya Khun Itthiphol Kunplome and Thai golf tourism identities, the launch event was held at Siam Country Club’s Plantation Course on May 1. With 23 members, Golf In A Kingdom is a collection of Thailand’s leading courses and hotels that has become the leading golf tourism program of its kind in Asia Pacific. It has played a major role in Thailand’s rapid growth in golf tourism – one of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s four major tourism promotional pillars. Following the launch, 30 tour operators and media from the United States, Canada, Germany, Singapore, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Australia participated on separate pre-arranged visits to Thailand’s premier golf destinations, Phuket/Chiang Mai and Bangkok/Hua Hin. After the launch, Golf In A Kingdom’s founder, Mark Siegel, said the impetus Thailand was experiencing in golf tourism would ensure the Kingdom remained Asia Pacific’s leading destination for golfers for many years to come. “Golf In A Kingdom members are all reporting substantial growth in the number of tee times and hotel rooms,” he said. “These properties – as leaders in their respective regions – have just completed their best high season ever. Forward bookings and inquiries are particularly strong, which indicates 2013/2014 will be another record year. “The world has discovered Thailand golf tourism and Golf In A Kingdom is now reaching out to the world to highlight the unbeatable values of the Thai golf experience. Invariably, golfers who come to play in Thailand keep coming back.” Reflecting optimism for the future of golf tourism to Thailand, Siam Country Club near Pattaya will open its new Waterside course beside the existing Plantation layout in early 2014. This will bring to 63 the number of holes at the property, making it the largest golf course complex in Thailand. A new Golf in a Kingdom video shown for the first time at the launch event can be viewed at  http://www.golfinakingdom.com/about-us/ Member properties of Golf In A Kingdom are: Golf Clubs – Banyan Golf Club, Black Mountain Golf Club, Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Resort & Spa, Laem Chabang International Country Club, Loch Palm Golf Club, Muang Kaew Golf Club, Red Mountain Golf Club, Riverdale Golf Club, Siam Country Club Old Course, Siam Country Club Plantation Course, Suwan Golf & Country Club, Thai Country Club. Hotels & resorts – Banyan The Resort, Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Hilton Phuket, Hilton Arcadia Phuket Resort & Spa, Millennium Hilton Bangkok Hotel, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, The Chedi Chiang Mai, The St Regis Bangkok, Veranda Resort & Spa Cha-am, Veranda Resort & Spa Chiang Mai. Visit www.golfinakingdom.com for more information. Photo: Media and tour operators pictured before the Golf In A Kingdom Cup was played at Siam Country Club’s Plantation course. For more photos and additional information, contact: Paul Myers Asian Travel Media Bangkok paul@asiantravelmedia.com +66 84 125 1894