Premium fairways in the South for golf aficionados

briefing.

With Southeast Asians being clannish, group travel is gaining momentum as it more than tripled year-on-year (YoY). To wit, Airbnb bookings of families with at least one child grew 60 percent in 2022 globally compared to the time before the ensuing health crisis. More of them stayed at its registered accommodations for their value and space.

Meanwhile, solo travel in the region is on the rise—2.6 times more than 2021. What’s more, travelers visit longer and were more deeply engaged with local communities. Staying for over 28 days in an Asean destination increased by more than 2.5 times YoY.

Optimism among Pinoy jet setters IN a separate survey of YouGov that was commissioned by Airbnb, more than three-fourths (87 percent) of Filipino participants are bullish on the rebound of travel in Southeast Asia.

Majority or 94 percent believe it being beneficial to local communities and the national economy. A third of the respondents surveyed are on the so-called “revenge travel”, expressing their excitement to fly within the region more frequently in the future, after not being able to do so for so long due to the lockdown periods, and 40 plus percent are looking to spend more going on a regionwide trip.

This study, likewise, indicated that over 60 percent of Filipinos asked answered that travelers must be given the assurance that discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations in their native land is easy and affordable so that communities don’t miss out on tourism spending.

Local travelers, per the research, have these in mind: Hotel or accommodation options and tourism offerings that encourage longer stays; a vast array of unique, value for money stays to attract them and differentiate their destinations; and support for local tourism entrepreneurs.

Pressed on the added appeal of local spots for international travelers, the top factor for Filipinos was hospitable locals, making them feel welcome and sharing them tips on hidden gems. This is the very same attribute the Philippines is also known for worldwide.

Above 50 percent of respondents also identified other factors: An emphasis on local food and culture, accommodation with familyfriendly amenities, and availability of accommodation choices at every price point.

Apparently, travel momentum amongst Airbnb guests to visit Asean is strong as many have already booked their travel in advance for major holidays and festivals throughout the region.

As of the fourth quarter of 2022, guest searches for the March-April 2023 summer travel season in the Philippines compared to the same period last year surged nearly to a whopping 400 percent.

Hotel check-ins in between April 13 to 15 for Songkran in Thailand rose over 310 percent YoY, as for Ramadan from March 23 to April 21, 2023 versus April 3 to May 2, 2022, they ballooned to almost 600 percent in Malaysia, and over 500 percent in Indonesia.

“Airbnb is committed to partnering with local governments and communities to support the region’s travel renaissance in a way that allows local people to access the socioeconomic benefits of travel. We’re also focused on relentlessly innovating to help disperse travel and encourage it to return in a way that’s responsible, creates human connection and is economically empowering for locals,” Blecharczyk said.

The portal’s useful search tools, such as Flexible Dates, are already making a difference on this front, with guests booking through this feature in key cities, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Metro Manila often more likely to book a stay outside popular areas in the city.

HIT t he greens to destress. You’ve probably heard this suggestion thrown around many times during the pandemic when people were looking for ways to safely relax and unwind outside the confines of their homes. After all, golf courses were one of the first recreational spaces to be opened—a welcome treat for everyone raring to go out and have a taste of the outdoors once again. That affinity for golf, however, continued beyond the pandemic, although this time, families are also trooping to the well manicured courses to enjoy a round of golf. Gone are the days when golf was considered merely as a gentleman’s sport and the fairways are seen as second boardrooms where business deals are negotiated and closed. Today, even kids enjoy spending time on the greens.

Good thing though that one trusted developer has an impressive portfolio of world class golf courses and communities where individuals can play and families can bond.

Sta. Lucia Land Inc. is one of the pioneers in this respect, having built premium fairways, designed by renowned golf course designers and architects. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, you’ll find Sta. Lucia’s golf courses are perfect for you. Here are some of them.

Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club

L O CATED i n General Trias, Cavite, the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club has four 18-hole fairways, golf club villas and a town center. The golf courses were designed by the world’s best: Isao Aoki, Nick Faldo, Andy Dye and Greg Norman. The Faldo course is said to be the most challenging one in the country, with ravines and a mix of high and low slopes that are sure to test even the pros.

Summit Point Golf & Country Club

S T RATEGICALLY l ocated in the heart of thriving Lipa City in Batangas, the golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and showcas - es the “World 18” concept, wherein 18 of the world’s best holes will be simulated within the course. Golfers and nature lovers should delight playing here given Lipa’s cool climate and with the Malarayat Mountain Range as a beautiful backdrop.

Orchard Golf and Country Club

N A MED one of the top golf courses in Asia and one of the top three courses in the Philippines, the Orchard Golf and Country Club is located in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

A famed destination for seasoned golfers, Orchard Golf features two 18-hole championship courses designed by golfing legends Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. The Palmer Course is a traditional parkland layout, measuring over 7,000 yards with fairways winding through the mango groves and punctuated by lakes and large bunkers. At the center of the 36-hole facility is a sprawling clubhouse with over 15,000 sqm of floor space, a grand ballroom that can fit more than 500 people, a 12-lane bowling alley, a basketball and volleyball court, tennis courts and badminton courts, a 25-meter swimming pool and kiddie pond, children’s playrooms, a fitness gym and salon, and even a small movie theater. Orchard Golf has also been the site of several prestigious international golfing events, including the Johnnie Walker Golf Classic in 1995.