Travel Tip: Go For It This Fall

The fall buying show season is winding down in Canada and the time is right for a quick getaway to actually play some golf. Actually, the time is also right due to the number of deals that out there these days.

Check out the GNN travel section here and take a look at the price being offered to Canadians for Pinehurst, including a special rate for the legendary No. 2 course there.

Talk to people who represent destinations or hotels in Arizona, Florida, the Carolinas or other areas and you will hear a familiar story.

“It is no secret that it is a buyers market right now and this bodes well for Canadian golfers who can find great rates at top Scottsdale golf courses and resorts. Many properties are offering packages that include tee times,” said Laura McMurchie, a spokesperson for the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.

That means breaks for Canadians who have been feeling the pinch of the recession the past year.

“With today’s economic climate, people are booking their travel based on value. If a customer is perceiving good value with golf – with a minivan and with the accommodation – it’s a no-brainer,” said Alan Zakka, director of sales and customer service for UltimateGolf travel.

In the United States, where the economic downturn has hit harder, Americans are staying home compared to the past, leading to bargains for Canadians.

“What has happened is the hotels in all of the United States that we deal with, in particular for golf, have come back to us with these unbelievable room breaks that we pass on to our customers,” said Zakka.

“By passing on these room breaks to us – and golf breaks, as well – it really makes it an outstanding price for the Canadian consumer,” he said, pointing out that well-known Florida resorts such as PGA National, Doral, Saddlebrook, Reunion Resort and Fairmont Turnberry Isle are providing high season rates that are lower than in the past.

He also pointed out that vacation homes and condos in the Orlando area are coming in with the lowest nightly rates in years and adding in a fifth night free or seventh night free bonus.

As an example, Zakka pointed to a deal at the Van Der Valk Lakeside resort, about 90 minutes from Orlando or Tampa that has been offering a three-bedroom accommodation, minivan rental and unlimited golf for under $500 per person.

“I got a phone call last week and the gentleman was expressing interest in the Van Der Valk Lakeside golf resort and I told him what was included and he was shocked with the price,” said Zakka. “He booked it on the phone with me right then and there.”

Even a place such as Hilton Head is offering deals such as a two-bedroom villa and six rounds of golf for $589 per person.

So the timing is right for golf industry people at this time of year, but also because of the deals that coincide with the end of the Canadian season.

The other factor is the recent strength in the Canadian dollar, which may concern government leaders and business people, but makes travel to the U.S. a sweeter deal with the added purchasing power.

“The value of the Canadian dollar will make rounds of golf a true value this winter,” said Doug MacKenzie of the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In addition, many of the hotels and resorts are offering tremendous rates and packages that make it difficult to stay home.”

Zakka agreed.

“This is the time to travel, not only for the room breaks and the golf breaks, but with the Canadian dollar, your purchasing power is increased. You can get all of your Christmas shopping done,” he said.

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