NEW YORK -- Golf travel is proving to be a lucrative revenue
opportunity for travel agents, according to an executive of New
York-based Golf International.
During Golf International's first year of operation, in 1988,
just 2% of the company's clients were booked by agents.
By 1999, business had increased by more than 3000%, and agents
accounted for more than 40% of total sales, a percentage that Golf
International president David Brice said is accelerating as fast as
golf's popularity.
"As a company that has actively encouraged travel agents to
become involved in the golf travel boom, it is gratifying to see so
many agents [participating] and benefiting from the high
commissions golf trips produce," said Brice.
According to the executive, Golf International's average booking
in 1999 consisted of a party of four taking a one-week golf trip to
Scotland or Ireland at a cost of $3,100 per person -- a $12,400
sale and a commission of $1,240 for the booking agent.
Brice predicted that agents will account for about 50% of Golf
International's sales in 2000, and he estimated that the company's
total sales would increase by 25% over 1999.
In other Golf International news, the company plans to debut a
new Web site this month. It will feature photos and descriptions of
more than 300 golf courses; details about suggested hotels;
transportation; sightseeing, and dining and shopping.
The site also will offer suggested itineraries and descriptions
of Golf International's packaged programs and escorted tours. The
site can be found at www.golfinternational.com.
Additionally, Golf International is moving its offices from
Madison Avenue to 14 E. 38th St., New York 10016.
Agents can obtain the company's brochure by calling (800)
833-1389.