HUE, VIETNAM – As Vietnam charts an ambitious course for its tourism sector, a significant strategic pivot is underway, with golf poised to become a cornerstone of the nation’s high-value, sustainable tourism strategy. The upcoming Vietnam Golf Course Owners Summit (VNGOS 2025), scheduled for October 31, 2025, at the Laguna Lang Co Resort in Hue, signals a pivotal moment for the country. This landmark event aims to unite investors, course owners, and governing bodies to forge a definitive roadmap for Vietnam’s golf tourism for the next decade, positioning it as a key driver for economic growth and a more sophisticated inbound tourism market.
Vietnam’s tourism aspirations are bold: the nation aims to welcome over 22-23 million international visitors and 120-130 million domestic tourists by 2025, all while pursuing a GDP growth target exceeding 8%. In this context, golf tourism is not merely an ancillary offering but a strategic lever designed to attract higher-spending visitors, extend their stays, and significantly boost average per-capita expenditure.
Golf: A Global Economic Powerhouse Gaining Momentum in Asia
Globally, golf is evolving into a significant economic force. According to The R&A’s 2024 report, the world boasts over 108 million golfers. The Asia-Pacific region stands out as the fastest-growing market, projected to expand at an average annual rate of 10% through 2030. The global golf tourism market, valued at an estimated $25.3 billion in 2024, is anticipated to surge to $41.9 billion by 2030.
Crucially, golf tourists represent a highly valuable demographic. They typically spend an average of $2,200 per trip, which is two to three times more than general tourists. These discerning travelers also tend to extend their stays and exhibit a higher propensity for repeat visits, making them ideal targets for destinations aiming to elevate their inbound revenue streams.
Several nations in the region have already leveraged golf as a strategic driver for high-end tourism. Thailand, for instance, attracts over 700,000 international golf tourists annually through its innovative “Golf Travel Pass” program. This initiative seamlessly integrates over 300 golf courses with hotel accommodations and airline services, offering a comprehensive package that ensures consistent occupancy throughout the year. Japan has cultivated a sophisticated golf ecosystem that synergistically combines golf with MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), traditional hot springs, and culinary experiences, resulting in a more than 20% increase in inbound tourism within a mere five years. Demonstrating golf’s potent role in national branding, Saudi Arabia has strategically employed golf through its Vision 2030 plan and the high-profile LIV Golf series, effectively placing the nation on the global tourism map through the prestige of elite sports.
Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, underscores the strategic importance of this sector. “Golf tourism is a potential tourism product that significantly contributes to attracting international tourists to Vietnam, especially from key markets such as South Korea, Japan, the US, Europe, the Middle East… The development of golf tourism is not just about developing a high-end sport but also about developing a high-class tourism ecosystem, from infrastructure, facilities to 5-star hotel systems, accommodation, and restaurants. Therefore, the policy of Vietnam’s tourism industry is to leverage advantages and potential to develop golf tourism in a sustainable direction, which is considered one of the directions for developing Vietnam’s tourism products in the coming years.”
VNGOS 2025: The Overture to Vietnam’s Golf Tourism Decade
The VNGOS 2025 summit is positioned not merely as a discussion forum but as an action-oriented conference. It marks the definitive launch of what is anticipated to be a decade of transformative growth for Vietnam’s golf tourism industry. For the first time, the sector will be formally recognized and strategically planned as a pillar of Vietnam’s sustainable tourism growth model.
This pivotal event will serve as the genesis for creating value within Vietnam’s golf sector from 2025 to 2035. The summit is centered around three core values that will guide the transformation from untapped potential to tangible economic power.
Three Pillars for a New Era in Vietnamese Golf Tourism
1. From Isolated Offerings to Integrated Value Journeys
The first crucial value to emerge from VNGOS 2025 is the adoption of an integrated approach to golf tourism development. This paradigm shift involves seamlessly connecting golf courses with resorts, airlines, MICE facilities, and local culinary and cultural attractions to create a cohesive and immersive experience. Instead of simply “selling a round of golf,” Vietnam aims to “sell a journey” – an emotional and culturally rich experience where each golf course serves as a gateway to exploring local narratives and heritage. This holistic approach promises to enhance visitor engagement and deepen their connection with the destination.
2. From Spontaneous Growth to Strategic Development
Secondly, the summit aims to foster a unified vision for the entire golf tourism industry. This includes standardizing service quality, establishing national standards for golf courses, and creating a unified international golf promotion network under a single Vietnamese brand. This strategic foundation will guide Vietnam’s golf tourism from organic, uncoordinated growth to a more directed and sustainable development trajectory, ensuring consistent quality and enhanced global competitiveness.
3. From Short-Term Gains to Long-Term Sustainable Growth
The third core value is a steadfast commitment to sustainability. In-depth discussions at VNGOS 2025 will address critical issues such as efficient water and energy management, waste reduction, enhanced recycling capabilities, and fostering strong connections with local communities. When developed responsibly, golf can transcend its image as a symbol of luxury and become a beacon of responsible tourism, aligning perfectly with Vietnam’s green growth strategy and its ambitious Net Zero 2050 goals. This focus on sustainability is paramount for long-term viability and for appealing to an increasingly environmentally conscious global traveler.
A Summit of Action, Igniting a Shared Vision
VNGOS 2025 is set to be a landmark convergence of golf course owners, investors, and government officials, all united by a shared vision for the future of golf tourism in Vietnam. The conference will be characterized by concrete actions, firm commitments, the establishment of new standards, and collaborative initiatives designed to propel Vietnam to the forefront of regional golf destinations.
The event is under the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Hue City, with the coordination of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the Vietnam General Department of Sports, the Department of Culture and Sports of Thua Thien Hue, and the Department of Tourism of Hue. 54 Vietnam is serving as the Implementing Unit, with support from the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA). This collaborative effort underscores the national commitment to unlocking the immense potential of golf tourism for Vietnam’s economic and social development.
