Records 81% increase in sales. Bookings for 2011 are strong.
Birmingham, Alabama – GolfThere.com, a division of Fairways Golf Vacations, Inc. (Fairways Golf) closed the first month of 2011 with the largest jump in year-over-year sales since its founding in 1990, setting a January sales record. The 81 percent increase in sales was the result of expanded private label agreements with golf course management companies; a 31 percent increase in travel agent sales; a 27 percent growth in consumer direct sales at the company’s GolfThere.com website and a pent up demand for golf vacations. Alan Hale, President and CEO, commented, “In 2010, GolfThere.com expanded its product line to offer our customers access to the best golf destinations globally and domestically. We grew our marketing and sales team, preparing for what we hoped would be a pent up demand. With the success of January, we officially declare it ‘tee’ season.”
The growth of travel agent sales is an area of focus for the company’s wholesale packaging division that operates as Fairways Golf Vacations this and last year. “Golfers are a high yield, highly motivated travel group and we believe our product portfolio and travel agency consumer sales expertise are a winning combination. As a previous travel agency owner myself, I understand that agencies are seeking the best yield for their business. Fairways Golf pays full commission not only on the hotel, but on greens fees as well,” Hale explained. Fairways Golf Vacations is broadening its product line to include many new domestic and international destinations for golfers. The company expanded its reach into the travel agent community by signing some preferred supplier relationships with key travel agent groups. Travel agent sales grew by 31% in 2010 and activity in January was well ahead of the previous year. Hale continued, “We also are seeing increased interest in new markets such as: Las Vegas, Palm Springs, and international destinations like Scotland and Ireland.”
GolfThere.com executives also attributed increased sales to new initiatives with several state tourism agencies and with several private label golf vacation brands where the company markets golf vacations to the confidential client’s existing customer base. Company officials also feel that the improving economy should help improve the golf industry as a whole. Hale further commented, “Feedback from our sales team is that our existing customer base of over 500,000 group leaders and golfing couples are excited about booking golf vacations beyond our traditional core destinations this year. Our team’s significant increase in early booking activity suggests that the golf vacation business should see a ‘healthy bump’ in rounds booked and hotel stays in 2011.”
About GolfThere.com
Founded in 1990, GolfThere.com is a division of Fairways Golf Vacations, Inc. and has grown to be one of the largest golf tour operators in the world by managing golf vacations for some of the most prestigious brands in the golf industry. With headquarter operations in Birmingham, Alabama, GolfThere.com and its related strategic partners have a reach of nearly 4.5 Million golfers and is the largest golf vacation brand manager globally. More information can be found at: www.GolfThere.com
Contact:
GolfThere.com
1 Chase Corporate Center, Suite 435
Birmingham, AL 35244
(205) 313-6415
Mary Pat Sullivan
Sullivan Marketing Advisors
(516) 488-9419
travelmp@aol.com
Elise Segrest
GolfThere.com & Fairways Golf
(205) 313-6415
elise.segrest@fairwaysgolf.com
