Mr Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India today stressed on the need to promote golf tourism in India as golf tourists stay longer, spend more and they define a premium segment amongst the tourists. “Essentially for any destination you want a tourist who is low footprint, but high impact and the golf tourist comes in that category. These tourists support the entire spectrum of the tourism ecosystem,” he added.
Addressing ‘International Golf Summit’, organized by FICCI, Mr Billa said, ““The government looks at golf as a vital tourism infrastructure, which will enable us to push high-end tourists into destinations to support the local economies. If we have to prioritize categories of tourists that we need to get into India, then golf tourism will easily be amongst the top few that we need to look at,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the key pillars for promoting golf tourism, Mr Billa said that we need to have a framework for golf tourism and a cohesive strategy is required. “We need to have a task force for an inter-ministerial task force for looking at golf, not just from developing the game, but also from a golf tourism point of view, because both of them are really interlinked,” he noted.
Mr Billa also stated that there is a need to develop golf circuits in India along with skilling the workforce in golf sector. “We also need to have a cogent approach for promoting golf tourism, not just within the country, but also outside the country. It must be conveyed and communicated in a meaningful way for people to consider India as a golf tourism destination,” he added.
Mr Kunal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt of India said that there is a need for the government, citizen, corporates and federations have to work together in creating more infrastructure to promote any sport. “The role of government is to act as a facilitator. All stakeholders have to work to find innovative solutions to ensure more golf tournaments happen in India,” he added.
He advocated for more golf courses to be built on a sustainable basis, and the role of the government will be to act as a force multiplier. “Golf as a sport has great potential. If we mix sports with tourism then it will be a wonderful product,” added Mr Kunal.
Dr Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI and CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group stated that Golf is more than just a sport, it is a catalyst for high-value tourism, economic growth and global networking. “We need to enhance the synergy between golf and tourism. This way we will be able to enhance the quality of game as well as the quality of experience,” she added.
Mr PKSV Sagar, Chairman, FICCI Sports Committee & President, GMR Sports said that Golf has long been associated with prestige and exclusivity, but it is time to change that narrative. “India’s youth is energetic, ambitious, and ready to embrace new opportunities. If we make golf more inclusive, aspirational, and accessible, we can inspire a new generation of golfers and position India as a rising powerhouse in the sport.
