According to IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) there are 657 accredited Golf Tour Operators in 60 counties. They are responsible for approximately 90% of golf travel sold around the world.
If you have been a, do it yourself kind of person, it might just be time to open another door.
There is a big misconception out there, that when you utilize the services of a golf tour operator that you pay more for you golf vacation. That is simply NOT TRUE…there is a good chance that you will pay less, save time and get more of what you are really looking for.
If you are exploring someplace new this benefit grows tenfold – WHY? Because they, or one of their staff, have been there!! They can advise on which courses to play, how to get around, things to do and advise on some of their favorite restaurants.
When it comes to the rates, the cardinal rule between the relationships between good golf tour operators and golf resorts worldwide is that there is no cost difference between the two. Generally the Tour Operator works off a net rate provided to them by the resort based on the relationship that they have established and the business that they deliver. The golf resort will rarely provide the consumer with a similar rate or there would be no trust and no integrity in the pricing structure. The Golf Tour Operator has earned the rates through the volume of business that they deliver. They are in fact an arm of the resort and their reputation is built on the service that they deliver to you and the resort.
Dynamic or last-minute pricing may play a role in price variance, however if you are planning a golf vacation and want preferred tee times on a last-minute basis, I wish you luck. Also, if you have a group, booking last minute rarely works out.
Reasons that you may want to consider booking a trip with a Golf Tour Operator.
Time is Money
One of the most valuable services a golf tour company provides is saving you considerable time. Although much can be done online, planning a great trip on your own requires major effort and research. Especially to a new destination.
With most tour companies, there is an initial discussion about where you want to go and play, but once you’ve confirmed a quoted itinerary, you just sit back while they do the work. They book your accommodation, golf, ground transportation, and even some extras.
Knowledge and Personalized Service:
Golf Tour Operators will generally know what you need to know as they travel to the destinations they sell. They guide you to the courses that might be best suited for you / your group and stay within budget. They can advise on restaurants and nightlife, shopping and things to do outside of golf especially if there are non-golfers along.
Getting around at the destination.
There is a big difference between getting around in North America – easy peasy rent a car and go! Not so much when you are going to places like Thailand and Indonesia where you don’t dare try to drive. Two extremes I know and the tour operator will know and take care of things for you.
Internet Guesswork!
Do you find yourself and your group keep going back to the same old place because it’s easy for you or the group leader, rather than trying to figure out someplace new and exciting? A good tour operator will have plenty of choices and be able to customize the golf vacation to the group be it 4, 24 or 104.
Pictures and profiles on websites are not always what they seem. A Tour Operator will not send you to the unknown black hole! So many places and not enough time. Nothing worse than a bad golf vacation!
Advanced Bookings / Confirmed Tee Times: Depending on where you are going and the size of the group you may want to have your plans set well in advance. Generally, online you are lucky if you can book tee times up to a month in advance. Tour Operators can book from three months to six months out with guaranteed pricing.
One Stop Shopping with Potential Added Value
Larger groups appreciate this when they need a favor to get some tee times shifted in order to accommodate them on certain days and certain courses.
Who wants to pay for replays?
Nooooo body! Tour operator relationships help with that. Room upgrades online – very unlikely – a golf tour operator can make such happen. Maybe your group needs a hospitality room for a night or special function. They can help make that happen too.
Not to say that something can’t go wrong but if something does it is one call, text or email back to the Tour Operator and it will be addressed.
That Private Course that you Want to Play
This is especially true when dealing with inbound operators. Private Courses for the most part do not allow just anyone onto their courses. An inbound operator may have certain relationships with private clubs that can often get visitors on, discreetly of course.
Nemacolin, PA
Cancellations and Refunds
Let’s hope we are done with COVID!!! Enormous travel disruptions occurred at that time. Golf Tour Operators ongoing relationships with resorts and their clients allow them to negotiate more flexible terms, in dealing with cancellation, penalties or refunds.
When searching for a golf tour operator, check out their website and see if they have the IAGTO logo somewhere on the site. If they are an accredited IAGTO Golf Tour Operator you will know that you are in good hands.
You can search for accredited Golf Tour Operators here:
https://www.iagto.com/membership/golftraveller
Have conversations with two or three and get quotes. Pick the one that you feel more comfortable with and begin to develop that relationship. It could be one of the best things that you do for your golf and travel future.
Golf Tour Operators, Golf Resorts & Destinations take note. IAGTO’s 14th North American Golf Tourism Convention is taking place June 20-22, 2023 at Saddlebrook Resort just north of Tampa.
www.IAGTO.com
