We do not necessarily think of Cambodia as a typical golf destination. However, it is one of the rising golf destinations in Asia, right after Vietnam.
Cambodia has been named as the 2020 Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year in the 20th annual celebration of the best in the golf tourism industry, the IAGTO Awards.
The country has got only 11 golf courses (vs Vietnam: 78; source: The R&A, Golf Around the World, 2019). Although it is not too much it can be attractive who would like to discover a totally new golf destination that is not overcrowded like Thailand.
Cambodia welcomed 6.61 million international visitors, 6.6% more than in 2018, generating 4.92 billion USD in 2019. China represents the largest source of tourists. The tourism industry represents 12.1% of the Cambodian GDP.
How many Chinese golf tourists can Cambodia attract out of 1.5 million?
For the above-mentioned reasons, it is worth paying attention to what developments there are in Vattanac Golf Resort for instance.
Vattanac Golf Resort: 2nd golf course by Sir Nick Faldo
The Vattanac Golf Resort‘s first golf course (East Course; designed by Sir Nick Faldo) was launched in May 2019. It received the “Best Golf Course in Cambodia 2020” title by the World Golf Awards.
It is possible that this success will be followed by the new West Course (designed by Sir Nick Faldo too) as well.
The newly opened ‘West Course’ will also be managed by Troon International, the international operating division of Troon.
The two courses of Vattanac Golf Resort provide a spectacular setting around famous cultural expressions that include scale models of Khmer historical architectural sites, such as:
- Angkor Wat,
- Preah Vihear and
- Bayon.
Positioned on the 7th hole of the new course, one statue pays heritage to King Jayavarman VII (see picture below), from the Angkor period, who represents one of the most energetic reigns in Cambodian history.
The West Course has distinctive differences from the East Course, of which are defined by narrower and more undulating fairways, a variety of unique water features and testing Paspalum greens.
Cultural sculptures and stunning landscaping attribute to the striking scenery of Cambodia’s newest golf course. The “West” is a rewarding test of skill for players of all levels, featuring 5 sets of tees, starting at 4,935 yards, right through to 7,249 yards.
Vattanac Golf Resort – future developments
The integrated resort development of Vattanac Golf Resort does not stop here. They will launch soon Night Golf a world-acclaimed Golf Academy as well.
Future developments of Vattanac Golf Resort will see a state-of-the-art Clubhouse offering dining, retail, and spa, complemented by a luxury hotel and residential community.
Mental wellness tourism – an opportunity
If I were them, I would invest in wellness, especially in mental wellness services. The COVID-19 is causing so many mental illnesses for us that we have to think about how we are going to heal ourselves after the epidemic.
The Global Wellness Institute says mental wellness is a $121 billion market.
Mental wellness is based on consumer spend in four markets:
- senses, spaces and sleep ($49.5 billion),
- brain-boosting nutraceuticals & botanicals ($34.8 billion),
- self-improvement ($33.6 billion), and
- meditation and mindfulness ($2.9 billion).
In the current status of the Vattacana Golf Resort they could utilize at least:
- meditation and mindfulness;
- senses, spaces, and sleep.