Having worked across multiple international golf markets, what do you believe makes Laguna Phuket and Thailand particularly compelling as a golf and leisure destination for international travellers?

Having worked across various international golf markets, I've developed a deep appreciation for how Laguna Phuket and Thailand excel as an outstanding golf and leisure destination. This excellence stems from a unique combination of quality, accessibility, hospitality and overall value that that sets it apart.

Laguna Phuket is particularly remarkable as an integrated resort destination, offering visitors a secure, beautifully landscaped environment. The integrated resort destination boasts championship golf course, luxurious accommodations, wellness facilities, diverse dining options, beach access and numerous family-friendly activities. This all-encompassing approach ensures that travellers enjoy a seamless holiday—one where they aren't just booking a golf trip but an experience.

Accessibility is another key aspect that enhances Phuket's appeal. The island is well-connected internationally, making it convenient for both short-haul Asian markets and long-haul travellers. Notably, Laguna Phuket is just a convenient 25-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. Once on the resort grounds, guests can easily navigate via shuttle buses and boats, enhancing the comfort and convenience of their stay.

In essence, Laguna Phuket and Thailand shine through the perfect blend of world-class golf, an integrated resort experience and exceptional service, all of which contribute to an unforgettable experience.

Laguna Golf Phuket sits at the heart of Asia’s premier integrated resort. How does being part of Laguna Phuket strengthen the destination story and enhance the appeal for visiting golfers and their families?

The integrated concept of Laguna Phuket greatly enhances visitor convenience, creating a seamless experience that caters to a wide range of interests. Visitors can easily access the golf course either by walking or taking a short shuttle ride, thanks to its proximity to various facilities and amenities. These include luxurious accommodations, beautiful beaches, rejuvenating spas, wellness centres, diverse dining options and retail shops. The ease of movement within the compound ensures a relaxed holiday experience from arrival to departure.

This setup is appealing not just to golfers. The modern trend in golf travel has increasingly attracted couples, families and groups with diverse interests. At Laguna Phuket, non-golfing family members can engage in wellness activities, enjoy water sports, relax at beach clubs, participate in programs for kids and explore a variety of culinary delights. This inclusive approach transforms a typical golf trip into a family holiday that caters to everyone in the group, creating opportunities for longer stays and increased spending.

Furthermore, the integrated resort concept, set in a safe, beautifully landscaped beachfront environment, features renowned hospitality brands and is committed to international standards and a cohesive service culture. These qualities foster familiarity, which many international travellers prioritise when choosing long-haul destinations.

From a destination perspective, how important is the balance between championship golf, hospitality, and wider lifestyle experiences when attracting long haul golf tourism to Thailand?

Attracting long-haul golf tourism requires balancing championship golf, hospitality and diverse lifestyle experiences. Long-distance travellers are not just booking a round; they are investing significant time, money and effort into planning extensive trips that may last several days or even weeks. To compete effectively with well-established golf destinations such as the United States, Europe and the UAE, it is essential to offer experiences that go beyond the golf course.

Championship golf is the cornerstone of this appeal. International travellers expect high-quality course design, pristine conditions, a reasonable pace of play and exemplary service standards. Thailand consistently meets these expectations, reinforcing its reputation in the global golf travel market. However, it is the hospitality that truly sets the experience apart. Thailand's renowned service culture, meticulous attention to detail and exceptional value transform visits from satisfactory to memorable. The warm welcomes, quality of caddies and overall journey help forge personal connections with visitors, which are crucial for encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Furthermore, the broader lifestyle aspect is a distinguishing factor, particularly for long-haul markets. Many golfers travel with partners or families—often in dedicated groups—who want to include a variety of activities during their 7- to 14-day stays. Access to beautiful beaches, wellness experiences, gourmet dining, cultural attractions, shopping and soft adventure activities is vital for extending stays and enhancing appeal. This is an area where Thailand has a clear and natural competitive advantage.

Looking ahead, how do you see Laguna Golf Phuket contributing to Phuket’s and Thailand’s positioning as a leading golf destination in Southeast Asia over the coming years?

Looking ahead, Laguna Golf Phuket aims to establish itself as a premier golf destination, not only in Phuket but also across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Our focus will be on delivering an exceptional golfing experience within a renowned integrated resort. We are committed to maintaining championship-level course conditions, providing outstanding service and creating an inviting yet accessible playing environment. We will continue to host prestigious tournaments and international amateur competitions to attract discerning golf travellers and enhance our global profile.

This strategic approach will open up new opportunities and partnerships within the industry, allowing us to showcase both our course and Phuket's tourism infrastructure, thus increasing the island's appeal as a comprehensive golf destination. Our investments in sustainability, service training and digital guest engagement will ensure that we remain competitive and prepared for future challenges. Ultimately, our goal is to attract new visitors while encouraging repeat tourism, reinforcing our status as a premier golf tourism destination in Southeast Asia.