PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) organized the 5th edition of PHDCCI Golf Tourism Conclave and Tournament on 17-18 March 2023 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat with the theme ‘Golfing in India: Beyond Tees and Greens’.
PHDCCI Golf Tourism Conclave was held on 17 March 2023 at Kensville Golf & Country Club and brought together all the relevant stakeholders on one platform – the Government and the private sector to discuss issues and opportunities for the promotion of Golf Tourism.
The Conclave was graced by H.H. Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, King of Baroda; H.E. Mr. Archil Dzuliashvili, Ambassador, Embassy of Georgia; H.E. Mr. Willy K. Bett, High Commissioner, Kenya High Commission; Dr. Stephan Hesselmann, Minister Counsellor Economic Affairs, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany; Mr. Bhupindra Mandaliya, Founder, Kensville Golf & Country Club; Mr. Sameer Sinha, Managing Director, Kensville Golf & Country Club; Mr. Hemant Navinchandra Shah, Chair – Gujarat Chapter, PHDCCI; Mr. Sameet Gambhir, Vice President (Corp. Law) & Company Secretary, DCM Shriram Ltd; Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co- Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI; Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI; and Dr. Yogesh Srivastav, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI.
The subject was passionately discussed by the speakers, who sought for various interventions from the government like accessibility, so that this sector progresses by leaps and bounds. As Indian golfers ascend new heights, the popularity of the sport is bound to improve and appeal to larger section of the country.
Delivering the Keynote Address, H.H. Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, King of Baroda, said that Golf Tourism in India has immense potential which can uplift the economy by increasing the GDP, foreign exchange earnings while generating employment opportunities. He further stated that India needs to develop more golf destinations to meet the growing demand of the golfers.
Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, said that according to a study, the Golf Industry Association (GIA) is expected to earn revenue of Rs. 75 crores and is most likely to grow between 20 to 25% annually. With top class golfing facilities, developing infrastructure, air and land connections, hotel facilities, stunning golf courses and beautiful weather, India holds the potential to become the leading Golf Tourism destination.
I would request the Government, industry and the various stakeholders to adopt an integrated approach towards improving and boosting the Golf Tourism sector in our country which shall further aid in the development and growth of Golf Tourism in India, said Mr. Hemant Navinchandra Shah, Chair – Gujarat Chapter, PHDCCI.
Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, informed that it has been observed that golf-linked tourists possess a higher purchasing power and spend more than the regular visitors. High profile golf events should be organized in India to attract domestic and international tourists and golf enthusiasts from all over the world.
During the Conclave, a Knowledge Report was also released by PHDCCI and ORG India titled ‘Golfing in India: Beyond Tees and Greens’ which says, “The awareness about the importance of golf tourism is rapidly growing worldwide. This has led to a rise in golf resorts and golf courses across the globe. The implementation of an integrated golf tourism strategy will deliver not only incremental ‘high value low impact’ tourism, but also help in generating more jobs, education, sports opportunities, additional leisure activities, increased domestic travel, housing and international investment. Better and improved strategies in developing golf tourism in India can attract both foreign and domestic high spending tourists; can increase the revenue generated through tourism in the country; can provide employment and can enhance foreign exchange earnings which can ultimately uplift the tourism standards of India.”
PHDCCI Golf Tournament was organized on 18 March 2023 at Kensville Golf & Country Club. The Tournament saw the participation of over 50 Golfers from all over the country, besides local golfers from Ahmedabad.
Kensville Golf Course proved a challenge even for most of the experienced golfers. The winners of the tournament were as follows:
All the Winners were given Trophies, Goodie Bags and Hampers. The Golfers appreciated the efforts made by PHDCCI for organizing the Golf Tourism Conclave & Tournament.
The event was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Depioneer Group of Companies; Kensville Golf & Country Club; ORG India; Golf Plus Monthly; India Golf Tourism Association; Aggcon Equipments International; True Revo; Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels; Rogers Hospitality; Sunlife; Melia Hotels International; IndiGo; and Naad Wellness.