Golf Travel - Facing some headwind?

It only takes a few moments reading the newspaper or watching the news to realize the media is well focused on the struggling economy. While I have long believed we are fortunate to sell to an audience which is recession insulated, I would be foolish to believe this current downturn is not having an impact on our business.

The combination of a slowing economy and weakening dollar is a one two punch that directly impacts potential travelers who are considering an overseas vacation. The more affluent travelers will, on average be less concerned about making the purchase decision as for them it is a lifestyle choice. We have also spent a considerable amount of time and effort in recent years substantially expanding our portfolio to include a total of 12 destinations with land based programs and many more from our Golf Cruising programs. This diversity of programs and destinations is serving us well as travelers decide to alter their plans for various reasons.

Looking from the other side, one destination which has been particularly hard hit is Ireland. For the last 20+ years they have done a terrific job of promoting golf to their shores. In many ways it was perceived as a well priced alternative to links golf in Scotland. As demand increased so did the prices...as the dollar weakened to the euro the prices increased even more. In many ways for golf travel to Ireland, the 2008 season represents the perfect storm.

Having said all of the above about the challenges facing travel, lets focus on the positives. Golfers wishing to travel to the British Isles while watching their budget can still do so and enjoy a terrific experience. Northwest Ireland remains great value, outstanding links golf, relatively few golfers and fine accommodations. The golf course names may not be household in stature but the quality of the golf experience is outstanding. Another interesting aspect of golf in Northwest Ireland is that along with fewer visitors, you will most likely find the locals more engaged in, and interested by your visit. The chance to enjoy the unscheduled pint of Guiness with the local butcher at his golf club is far greater than in the more tourist developed regions.

International Golf Travel - Restarted

Never was a truer word uttered about children changing your life! With our son 2 1/2 and becoming a little person I am able to resume some of my travel and also recommitted myself to posting my blog on a regular basis.


Our business since 2005 has continued to evolve substantially. While the British Isles remains the mainstay of our business, we have enjoyed solid growth and business activity to our 8 non-British Isles destinations. Additionally we are in the process of launching a significant addition to our golf travel lifestyle options when we introduce, "Golf Cruising by PerryGolf". This is a collection of Golf Cruise programs aboard a variety of ships and barges throughout the world.



Moving forward I intend to spend some time and discuss different destinations and travel options in various destinations around the world, which I believe resonate with affluent travelers seeking a premium golf travel experience.



The one common issue with virtually all international travel, save for a few very lucky people, is air travel. As the airlines grapple with high fuel prices, antiquated labor contracts and otherwise surly staff a few bright spots on the horizon;



Heathrow - Terminal 5 - The new home for British Airways and it is spectacular. The traffic flow is designed for current living, traditional check-in pods have been removed in this online world...BA expects upwards of 80% of their passengers to check-in before arriving at the airport, they will head straight to the Bag Drop area before clearing security. The Terminal sets a new standard for airports and the lounge complex (for premium passengers) is very well done. It will be interesting to see how other airlines respond as this will give BA a clear advantage in the service battle. They currently have a superior onboard service...the ground experience will match it. You may view more details at http://www.heathrowairport.com/portal/page/XYZTerminal5/

I travelled to the UK last fall and took advantage of the opportunity to try Silverjet, the UK based airline offering an "All Business Class" product on board a B767 with 100 seats. Overall,a good experience I would recommend them BUT this is a classic case of the marketing guys running the company. The simple rule of commerce.....expectations must be realistically set and delivery must surpass (http://www.flysilverjet.com/) . It would be entirely reasonable for your expectations to run away if you take their marketing material seriously...always temper your enthusiasm with the "how much did I pay" reality check. Specifically;

The seats are angled, lie flat that I slide on, best comfort is the Z position

Entertainment is a hand held pre loaded digital movie player

Food service is decent. Try to get a second glass of wine with dinner!

Lounge in Newark is fairly basic, landside operation. Lounge in Luton is good, arrival process has showers, but no private basin in which to shave!

Best part of entire experience, and worth the effort to fly Silverjet at least once from Luton...check-in and boarding process through their private security...very slick by any measure.

I hope they succeed although with the current oil price level it will be challenging. They offer a Business Lite product and do not expect any more than that...indeed, they charge a Premium Economy fare and deliver a Business Lite experience...now why can the marketing guru's at Silverjet now sell on that basis!

This week Singapore Airlines, the leader in air travel excellence announced plans to convert it's daily nonstop service to Singapore from NYC and LAX to an All Business Class enviroment. This decision is apparently based on operational costs and also the understandable lack of demand for 18 hours in a Premium Economy seat. They will operate these flights with their flagship Business Class product (http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/exp/new/businessclass/index.jsp) ...for scheduled air service,this is about as good as you can expect.