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Norman And Dawson Join Hainan's Golfing Tourism Drive
Asian Golf Monthly Team
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Peter Dawson will be among the keynote speakers in Haikou next week. Picture by Getty Images.
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Haikou (March 10): International golfing industry heavyweights Greg Norman, Peter Dawson and Peter Walton will headline the inaugural Boao Golf & Tourism Forum, which will be held at the newly-completed Mission Hills Resort Hainan next week.
The first-time gathering, which leads into the Boao International Tourism Forum over the weekend of March 20-21 in Sanya, will welcome hundreds of delegates and media representatives to the Mission Hills Group’s new flagship resort property located in Hainan’s north.
Attendees will have the chance to hear thoughts on the future of Hainan as a golfing destination from two-time Major champion Greg Norman, chief executive of The R&A Peter Dawson and Peter Walton, chief executive officer of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry.
Other high-profile Forum speakers will include Dr David Chu, chairman of the Mission Hills Group, Luo Baoming, governor of Hainan Province, Shao Qiwei, president of the China National Tourism Bureau, and Xu Jing, director of the World Tourism Organisation Asia Pacific Section.
Norman, who as chairman and chief executive officer of Great White Shark Enterprises, has extensive golf and business dealings in China, said facilities such as Mission Hills Resort Hainan provide a bright future for the growth of the game in conjunction with developing the next generation of players.
Said Norman: “The fundamentals for the golf industry in China are solid and the model for success is pragmatic with three pillars required for success – sustainability, accessibility and constituency. Juniors today will be our constituency of tomorrow and we need to develop golf programmes to foster junior development and social play.”
Walton, who counts 1,500 golf tourism suppliers in more than 80 countries amongst his membership, welcomes the chance to discuss the future prospects of Hainan as a destination of choice for golfing tourists from around the world.
“It is clear that China is not one single golf destination because of the distances involved between golfing centres, but a collection of independent golfing locations. However, it is also very important from an international marketing perspective that you develop an overall image of China as a golf destination, finding a common thread that can be applied to all golf regions within the country.
“Most importantly, each regional golf destination, such as Hainan, must develop its own identity and present a clear vision of its principal attractions to potential visiting golfers,” said Walton.
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Greg Norman will headline next week's inaugural Boao Golf & Tourism Forum.
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The Golf & Tourism Forum comes at an especially important time for the golf industry in China, with the Central Government announcing in January this year that Hainan would be developed into a leading international tourism destination by 2020.
Golf is expected to spearhead that campaign, with Mission Hills Resort Hainan central to the Government-led initiative. Mission Hills – consistent with its legacy of spurring global investment in China – brings to Haikou its successful brand concept combining luxury with first-class sporting and wellness experiences.
Melding seamlessly with the unique volcanic landscape of the area, Mission Hills Hainan, destined to be one of the world’s most memorable golfing destinations, features a 525-room, five-star hotel, a three-storey clubhouse and three world-class 18-hole golf courses.
The flagship Blackstone Course weaves through a striking landscape of mature trees, expansive wetlands and ever-present lava rock. At more than 7,750 yards, the course is designed to be one of the world’s premier tournament courses and will play host to major international tournaments in the future.
Plans also call for a nine-storey resort annex, outdoor theme-park pool, a volcanic-influenced spa complex with therapeutic mineral springs, 12 dining establishments, sports and recreation centre, meeting and entertainment facilities and a high-end shopping arcade.
Said Dr Chu, chairman of the Mission Hills Group: “Mission Hills Resort Hainan cements Mission Hills’ place among the world’s leading resort brands with a distinguished focus on sports, wellness and world-class events and entertainment.
“We are privileged to be among the first private-sector investors developing the island into Asia’s foremost leisure destination. It speaks volumes about the power of our brand and its ability to drive positive change.”
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