STATUS OF GOLF TOURISM

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Tourism is extending financial support for the promotion of golf tourism through various initiatives. Expressions of Interest (EOI) are invited from eligible entities for financial assistance for golf events, shows, and workshops. Key projects sanctioned under the Scheme Assistance to Central Agencies and the Swadesh Darshan Scheme are detailed, with one project sanctioned on 31-03-2017 and another under Swadesh Darshan in 2015-16. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Development and Promotion of Golf Tourism:** The development and promotion of golf tourism are undertaken by respective State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. * **Financial Support Guidelines:** The Ministry of Tourism has established guidelines for providing financial support for golf tourism promotion. * **Invitation for Expressions of Interest (EOI):** The Ministry is inviting EOIs from Golf Clubs, Golf Event Managers, State Governments/UT Administrations, approved Tour Operators/Travel Agents, and Corporate Houses. * **Eligibility for Financial Support:** Financial support is available for Golf Events, Golf Shows, Golf Promotional Workshops/Events, and Annual Meetings/Seminars. * **Sanctioned Projects (Scheme Assistance to Central Agencies):** * A project for the up-gradation of a Golf Course at SAI Trivandrum Golf Club by the Sports Authority of India in Kerala was sanctioned on 31-03-2017, with an amount sanctioned of Rs. 2464.99 Lakhs and an amount released of Rs. 1232.49 Lakhs. * **Sanctioned Projects (Swadesh Darshan Scheme):** * A project under the Swadesh Darshan-North East Circuit in Mizoram for the development of Thenzawl & South Zote, District Serchhip and Reiek was sanctioned in 2015-16. The amount sanctioned and released/authorized was Rs. 92.26 Crore, covering various components including an 18-hole Golf Course and associated infrastructure. * **Other Initiatives:** * The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Government of UT of Jammu and Kashmir, FICCI, and India Golf Tourism Association, organized an event titled "Tapping the Tourism Potential of Kashmir" in Srinagar on April 12-13, 2021. * This event aimed to promote tourism opportunities in Kashmir through exhibitions, brainstorming sessions, and familiarization trips, showcasing its cultural heritage, natural beauty, culinary delights, and golf tourism. * Approximately 200 participants attended the Kashmir event, including media, tour operators, government officials, and foreign ambassadors in India. **Impact Analysis** **Golf Clubs** * **Impact:** Golf clubs may receive financial support for eligible events, shows, and promotional activities, potentially leading to increased promotion and development of golf tourism. * **Action Required:** Submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to the Ministry of Tourism for financial support. **Golf Event Managers** * **Impact:** Event managers can seek financial assistance from the Ministry for organizing golf events, shows, and workshops. * **Action Required:** Submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to the Ministry of Tourism for financial support. **State Governments/UT Administrations** * **Impact:** State Governments/UT Administrations are responsible for the development and promotion of golf tourism within their jurisdictions and can receive financial support for these activities. * **Action Required:** Submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to the Ministry of Tourism for financial support; undertake development and promotion of golf tourism. **Approved Tour Operators/Approved Travel Agents** * **Impact:** These entities can seek financial support from the Ministry for promoting golf tourism through various activities. * **Action Required:** Submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to the Ministry of Tourism for financial support. **Corporate Houses** * **Impact:** Corporate houses may receive financial assistance from the Ministry of Tourism for golf-related promotional events and activities. * **Action Required:** Submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to the Ministry of Tourism for financial support. **Ministry of Tourism** * **Impact:** The Ministry is actively involved in framing guidelines, inviting EOIs, and sanctioning projects to promote golf tourism, and organizing promotional events. * **Action Required:** Continue to frame guidelines, process EOIs, sanction projects, and organize promotional initiatives. **Sports Authority of India (SAI)** * **Impact:** SAI was involved in a project for the up-gradation of a Golf Course at SAI Trivandrum Golf Club, indicating its role in golf infrastructure development. * **Action Required:** (No specific action required based on the document beyond past involvement). **Government of UT of Jammu and Kashmir** * **Impact:** Collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism for an event to promote tourism potential in Kashmir, including golf tourism. * **Action Required:** (No specific action required based on the document beyond past collaboration). **FICCI** * **Impact:** Collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism for an event to promote tourism potential in Kashmir. * **Action Required:** (No specific action required based on the document beyond past collaboration). **India Golf Tourism Association** * **Impact:** Collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism for an event to promote tourism potential in Kashmir. * **Action Required:** (No specific action required based on the document beyond past collaboration).

Key Entities Referenced