The Tribune

EXUMA, The Bahamas — Sandals Emerald Bay hosted its 1st Annual Global Golf Tournament, attracting top producing travel agents from Canada, South America and the US.

With 80 travel agents and travel partners participating, the four-day event was very well-attended, according to Jeremy Mutton, Sandals general manager.

“Golf is a very important market for The Bahamas and for Exuma, we have the Greg Norman Championship golf course here and we thought it would be good if we could sell Exuma and The Bahamas to travel agents and travel partners who actually have an interest and a passion for golf”.

Mr Mutton said the travel agents and partners really enjoyed themselves, and he believes they were very surprised at the quality of the course and how challenging it is.

“I know it’s going to grow from strength to strength over the years,” he said about the tournament. “What it’s going to do is really put the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as well as Exuma on the map in terms of destination golf.  It’s very important just to share with the markets that we have real world-class golf courses and golf facilities.”

When people think about The Bahamas, they most likely focus on the beaches and diving or fishing activities, but it’s time they start thinking about golf!

At least that’s what the Ministry of Tourism’s golf marketing manager, Angelika Cartwright says. “Our destination is classified as high-end and it’s only fitting that we bring more exposure to those activities that target the more affluent traveller.”

Ms Cartwright indicated that tourism has taken a strategic approach to develop this market segment with its offshore sales and marketing initiatives and on-island events, such as the Pure Silk LPGA Bahamas and Hero World Challenge golf events.

She also mentioned that July 25-31, The Bahamas will be hosting the 60th Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships. 

Ninety golfers from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, US Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos, Cayman Islands and The Bahamas are expected to tee off at the One & Only Ocean Club Golf Course.