On November 28, in Hanoi, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism officially signed a memorandum of understanding with 54 Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in the development of the local golf industry. This event comes amidst the celebration of the 100th anniversary of golf in Vietnam and the country’s remarkable achievements in international golf tournaments, especially being named the “Best Golf Destination in Asia” for the eighth time. The partnership is set to pave the way for further advancements in Vietnam’s growing golf sector.
Overview of the Signing Ceremony
This event was especially significant for 54, as the company was recently honored as the “Golf Business of the Year” for the fifth consecutive time at the World Golf Awards. 54 believes that this partnership will bring new breakthroughs, taking Vietnamese golf to new heights.
Vietnam Golf: Potential and Challenges
Golf is not only a sport but also a multi-billion-dollar industry that significantly contributes to GDP, creates jobs, and attracts investment. With its vast natural landscapes, favorable climate, and strong infrastructure investments, Vietnam is becoming an appealing destination for golfers worldwide.
In his speech, Nguyễn Trùng Khánh, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, noted that tourism in Vietnam has rapidly recovered. In 2024, tourism is expected to fully rebound to pre-pandemic levels, with around 17-18 million international visitors and 110 million domestic visitors, meeting targets and becoming a bright spot in the country’s economic and social development.
However, the golf industry in Vietnam still faces challenges, particularly in management. The development of golf lacks systematic and professional organization. With the goal of sustainable and effective golf tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has instructed relevant units to research and implement plans, strategies, and policies related to golf to make Vietnam a top destination for golf tourism and sports.
Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Nguyễn Trùng Khánh’s Speech at the Ceremony
During the ceremony, Mr. Nguyễn Trùng Khánh shared that the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (VHTTDL) had received proposals from 54 Vietnam regarding the development of a professional and sustainable golf strategy, as well as the establishment of quality-assured golf standards.
Looking Toward the Future: Golf as a Model for National Sports Development
With global experience and a team of leading experts, 54 Vietnam will bring innovative solutions, integrating advanced technology and long-term development strategies to advance the Vietnamese golf industry.
Jed Moore, Founder and CEO of the 54 Group, expressed: “Congratulations to Vietnam on the remarkable awards the country has achieved recently. The world is witnessing the limitless potential of sports to drive economic growth. With a smart investment strategy focused on creating a new sports industry while addressing social issues and protecting the environment, sports can become a powerful engine for growth in every country.
As international interest continues to grow and commitments to developing national golf strategies are strengthened, service standards will be upgraded, and products and experiences will diversify. The golf industry will set a standard, paving the way for other sports to build new, high-potential economies.”
Mr. Jed Moore – Founder and CEO of the 54 Group
Director of the Vietnam General Department of Sports, Mr. Đặng Hà Việt, shared that golf is a global sport, officially featured in the Olympic Games, and it aligns well with the physical attributes of Vietnamese athletes. Recent young athletes have performed excellently, winning numerous medals and prestigious awards. However, the high training costs for athletes excelling in this sport present a challenge for Vietnam’s golf development. To further the growth of golf, Director Đặng Hà Việt expressed his hope that with the support of 54 Vietnam, more golf tournaments would be brought to Vietnam, helping to enhance the image of the country’s sports, develop professional athletes, and contribute to the nation’s economic development.
During the ceremony, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the General Department of Sports, and 54 Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on developing golf tourism in Vietnam. According to the MOU, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism will lead the organization of the World Golf Summit in Vietnam, scheduled for 2025 during the National Tourism Year in Thừa Thiên Huế. This collaboration also includes developing a detailed ranking system for golf courses in Vietnam, proposing strategies and plans to attract resources, and organizing international sporting events in the country.