Clark freeport zone: The Department of Tourism (DOT) inaugurated its first-ever Philippine Golf Experience (GolfEx) program on Friday, aiming to draw international and local golf enthusiasts to explore the nation's golf courses.
According to Philippines News Agency, the launch event took place at Mimosa Plus Golf Course and included golf lessons and a tournament that welcomed diplomats, golf enthusiasts, and professional players. GolfEx is an extension of the DOT's Philippine Experience Program, crafted to establish the Philippines as a leading golf destination in the region.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized the broader impact of tourism, articulating that it is not solely about the number of arrivals but also about sustaining livelihoods, strengthening enterprises, and nurturing community pride. She highlighted golf's role in promoting sustainable tourism as it encourages travelers to stay longer, spend more, and engage deeply with local destinations.
In an interview, Elisa Bulawit, executive secretary of the Professional Golfers Association of the Philippines, expressed optimism about the potential benefits of promoting golf tourism. She noted that the Philippines' golf courses and nearby travel spots could rival those of other countries, citing Vietnam's successful promotion of its best golf courses as a model.
Bulawit pointed out that the Philippines hosts numerous undiscovered yet beautiful golf courses and offers world-class service combined with Filipino hospitality, appealing to visiting golfers. She mentioned that golf courses in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao boast high quality, with some scoring 9 out of 10.
The DOT is particularly focused on attracting visitors from Japan, Korea, and the United States, both professional and amateur golfers, to play and train in the Philippines. Frasco also mentioned plans to expand promotional efforts in other markets, including Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Southeast Asian countries.
Frasco described the Philippines as offering a unique golfing experience, not only due to its excellent golf courses but also because of the diverse attractions available beyond the greens, such as beaches and diving spots.
The launch event saw Frasco performing the ceremonial tee-off, accompanied by notable figures such as Senator Lito Lapid, Malaysian Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Vietnamese Ambassador Thai Binh Lai, The Netherlands Ambassador Marielle Geraedts, and other key delegates from the tourism and business sectors.
Mimosa Plus, a facility equipped with top-notch amenities and strategically located near an international airport, is part of the over 100 golf courses in the Philippines. The country is poised for further growth in golf tourism, with a Leechiu Property Consultants report indicating that at least seven new golf estates are planned, including notable projects like the Marina Estates and Megaworld's Nascala Coast in Batangas.
