FILM TOURISM AND GOLF TOURISM FILM TOURISM Film

FILM TOURISM AND GOLF TOURISM

FILM TOURISM � Film tourism can be defined as a niche tourism and refers to the growing interest and demand for locations which became popular due to their appearance in films and television series. � Film tourism is a growing phenomenon worldwide, fueled by both the growth of the entertainment industry and the increase in international travel. � It has been identified as one of the effective means of promoting a destination. � It is proved that those destinations which are included in films gain popularity rapidly.

� The Government says it has identified ‘Film Tourism’ as a Niche Tourism product but no specific spots have been identified in the country by the Ministry of Tourism to attract foreign film makers to shoot their films on such locations. � The previous (2012) union minister for tourism in India Dr. K. Chiranjeevi has told the parliment that the Tourism Ministry has requested State Governments/Union Territory Administrations to recognize the potential of Film Tourism and constitute special bodies/cells to facilitate filming in the States/Union Territories. � Meanwhile, in the recently concluded 43 rd International Film Festival of India, filmmakers from India and overseas urged the government to urgently devise a system of “Single Window Clearance” for granting shooting permissions to foreign and Indian filmmakers at different locales in the country. Oscar award winner movies ‘Life of pi’ has brought out the aspect of film tourism for Pondicherry on the world wide.

Ramoji film city

GOLF TOURISM

� Golf tourism is the term used to describe trips undertaken by persons for which the main purpose is to play golf. � Golf has been enjoyed by many for a long time. Earlier it was enjoyed as a sport but in recent times it has developed into a hot tourism product. � History Recorded as taking place on 26 February 1297, in the Netherlands, where the Dutch played a game with a stick and leather ball. � Many tourist organizations plan promotional packages to attract the golf tourist especially from Japan where the green fees are very high. � These tourists take exclusive golfing holidays wherein their accommodation is also arranged near the course and they return after serious golf playing.

� IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) Established in 1997 � IAGTO's membership comprises 2117 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 95 countries. � India Golf Tourism Association (IGTA) is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to create greater International awareness of India's best kept secret when it comes to golf in India. � Global Market Size According to the IAGTO is 56 million people play golf worldwide. The main source markets for golf tourism are: • United States • United Kingdom • Japan • Canada • Australia � Consumers are predominantly male, with the majority being middle aged (40 -55) or retired (55+). Professional and managerial groups dominate the sector. Golf tourists are likely to be members of golf clubs at home.