Vietnam is gearing up to enhance its golf tourism appeal with the support of golfing legend Greg Norman. This renewed collaboration builds upon Norman’s previous contributions to the sector, aiming for continued growth in the years to come.
During a recent meeting at the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) headquarters, Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh and Chris Campbell, Senior Vice President of Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD), discussed strategies for promoting golf tourism in Vietnam. Chairman Khanh highlighted Norman’s previous role as Vietnam Tourism Ambassador from 2018 to 2021, a period marked by significant advancements in the country’s golf landscape.
Under Norman’s ambassadorship, Vietnam witnessed the development of six prestigious golf courses, including BRG Da Nang Golf Club, The Bluffs Ho Tram, KN Links Cam Ranh, PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet, Dragon Golf Links Hai Phong, and Sonadezi Chau Duc. Norman also played a key role in producing a promotional video at FLC Ha Long Golf Course, emphasizing Vietnam’s allure as a premier golf destination.
In April of this year, Norman expressed his interest in being reappointed as Vietnam’s Tourism Ambassador for another term, showcasing his commitment to the country’s golf tourism vision. Vietnam has experienced substantial growth in golf tourism in recent years, boasting over 90 operational golf courses and a rapidly increasing number of golfers. The country anticipates welcoming a number of international visitors in 2024 that aligns with pre-pandemic levels, with the Northeast Asian market contributing significantly to golf tourism. Vietnam currently has an estimated 120,000 to 150,000 golfers, and the sport is gaining popularity throughout the country.
Vietnam’s exceptional geographic location, diverse terrain, and over 3,200 kilometers of coastline have earned the country the prestigious title of “World’s Best Golf Destination” three consecutive times from the World Golf Awards. This recognition highlights Vietnam’s burgeoning potential as a global golf hub.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Greg Norman aims to work closely with VNAT to refine and amplify Vietnam’s promotion as a world-class golf destination, as shared by Chris Campbell. With Norman’s expertise, Vietnam is poised to become an even more attractive destination for golfers from around the world, further strengthening its position as a leading force in golf tourism.
