Gulf Shores enjoying robust recovery
Gulf Shores is experiencing a flourishing spring golf travel season and is trending to exceed 2010 bookings due to its competitive marketing approach this year.
Golf Gulf Shores, the CVB-led regional golf tourism association, reports that golf rounds and bookings into the destination so far are ahead of last year’s figures. Website inquiries are on the rise on golfgulfshores.com, and travelers are offering positive feedback on the quality of their recent experiences, with a 100% “intent to return” factor from all reporting visitors in 2011.
Golfers have also responded to the variety of price-point options, offering play at nine quality courses and over 20,000 accommodations units with booking ease.
“We feel that Gulf Shores wants us to bring our group here for our yearly trip,” said one Kentucky visitor in a recent survey. “Other locations that we have visited wanted us but never showed us the hospitality that we get in Gulf Shores.”
The destination was also lauded for its visitor-friendly website booking tool that produces quick and thorough quotes based on a guest’s own preferences, putting the power in the hands of travelers to customize their stay at very attractive rates.
“Gulf Shores prides itself on its people, and it’s edifying to see that our friendliness and efficiency push us ahead of other destinations,” said Golf Gulf Shores Executive Director Duncan Millar. “Our golfers clearly love it here.”
Most spring golf packages that include accommodations and golf start under $100 per person per night through May, based on multiple night stays.
Kiva Dunes Named to Golfweek “Best Courses You Can Play” Ranking
The iconic Kiva Dunes, one of Golf Gulf Shores’ most lauded courses, claimed the no. 2 spot on Golfweek’s state-by-state “Best Courses You Can Play” Alabama ranking, released last week.
The Jerry Pate design has received numerous accolades from Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine and others since the links-style layout opened in 1994, most recently from Golfweek’s 2011 Top 100 Resort Courses in America issued late last year.
Alabama Native Wins Nike Head-to-Toe Sweepstakes
Keith Heitt of Auburn, Ala. will receive new clubs, a new golf bag, clothing, shoes and more as the winner of Golf Gulf Shores’ Nike Head-to-Toe Sweepstakes. More than $3,500 in Nike merchandise will be delivered to Heitt when he travels to the destination with his seven buddies in early April.
The prize pack, awarded in a random drawing this month, includes A VR Tour driver from Nike, as well as a Fairway Wood, Hybrid and wedges, and Method putter. In true winner fashion, Heitt’s name will also be embroidered onto his new Nike Tour bag.
Golf Gulf Shores is currently running a sweepstakes to give away a complete home technology package – including an Apple iPad, HD television and a Sony PlayStation 3 game system – from now until May 8 on its website, golfgulfshores.com.
To view up-to-the-minute news, photos, events and special offers, see facebook.com/GolfGulfShores or follow the GSGA on Twitter at: twitter.com/GolfGulfShores
Travelers can also sign up for a free subscription to the Golf Gulf Shores monthly e-newsletter at: golfgulfshores.com
