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For anyone selecting a golf holiday, choosing the right golf destination and tour operator is of paramount importance.
Thailand has been ranked as Asia's top golfing destination for the last six consecutive years by the readers of Asian Golf Monthly. There are 9 cities within Thailand to choose from with nearby international championship golf courses, including world-class beach resorts and relaxing mountain regions. Combine this variety of quality golf with the excellent value for money and you have the makings of a true golf lover's dream come true.
How to get started planning a golf trip to Thailand? The internet now provides so much information and more and more holidays being planned in this manner. There is a wealth of information about Thailand golf courses, destination cities, and travel advice. However, the lack of 'face to face' communication makes it difficult to ensure you are dealing with reputable and well established individuals and companies.
However, by simply making some careful background checks, you can ensure you work with an experience person and select a company that will give you a Thailand golf holiday of great value.
For any golfing holiday in Thailand, your first step should be to ensure that the travel agent you intend to work with is registered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which is the industry's regulatory body.
All members must adhere to strict codes of conduct and provide detailed company information on both their directors, and their financial status. Financial viability is also a strict criteria of membership, and all companies must pay a 'bond' to the regulator as part of their membership. Any breach would lead to them being removed from the register. This is easy to check and most travel agents will display the relevant information on their website.
Also, check up how long the company has been in operation. Experience is worth its weight in gold in the travel business, and a company that has an established record of organizing golf tours, is much more likely to provide first class organization and service. In addition, they are likely to have long standing relationships with many of the hotels and golf courses which can only be of additional benefit.
Upon selection of one or two potential agents, ask as many questions as possible during the initial stages of your enquiry. An agent who takes the time and effort to build up a dialogue with you is more committed to securing you as a customer than the many agents who are only interested in the end result.
Ask for recommendations on particular locations and courses - and why. You can then compare this with others and soon see who has your best interests at heart!
Try reviewing some 'golf travel forums and blogs', where people are invited to post comments about services and products. There are often comments left by previous golfers. A simple thing may be to ask the question about a particular tour company, and if anyone has heard of them or used them.
All of this research and background checking will go a long way to ensure you are dealing with an established and proficient company that provides value for money. However, remember that cheapest route is usually not best. In most instance, for the avid golfer the absolute lowest cost travel may be compromised in some way.
The advantage of using a well established golf tour operator is that they will take all the responsibility of arranging your accommodation, golf course bookings, and transport arrangements during your holiday. With the expertise of knowing the local conditions and customs will ensure that from the moment you arrive in Thailand, you will have the maximum free time to enjoy every aspect of your golf tour, without any worries and concerns.
This has proven to be a successful used by the many golf travelers who now rank Thailand as the one of best top travel destinations in the world! Go ahead and join golfers from around the world in discovering what millions of fellow golfers have already experienced in Thailand, A Golfer's Paradise!
By Mark Siegel, Managing Director of Golfasian.com Co. Ltd.,
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