Joining the ranks of hotel spas, gyms and pools is a new type of amenity cropping up at luxury hotels around the world – High Definition Golf™. These top-of-the-line indoor golf simulators enable guests to golf right on property, no matter the weather.
“Golf is a leading hobby of business people and affluent travellers – crucial target groups for luxury hotels,” says Todd Richardson, President & CEO of Interactive Sports Technologies, the manufacturer of High Definition Golf simulators. “Adding an HD Golf™ system to their amenities is an easy way to attract and engage business travellers.” The company has seen a dramatic increase in interest over the past few years from hotels and resorts worldwide. Fairmont, Marriott and Shangri-La are a few hotels that have already installed the simulator.
Fairmont Banff Springs originally purchased their HD Golf™ simulator to provide lessons and club fitting in the winter after the nearby golf course shut down. Due to its popularity, they decided to install their HD Golf™ system permanently within a bar and entertainment space.
“High Definition Golf provides an overall experience second-to-none,” says Justin Wood, Executive Director of Golf for Fairmont. “Our golf staff use it for both indoor golf instruction as well as a recreational amenity. Our guests love it. I don’t know how we ever got along without it.” Besides renting out the system by the hour, Fairmont Banff Springs has seen an increase in food and beverage revenue which they attribute to the simulator.
Besides large resorts, business and urban hotels also drive incremental revenue. “Many hotels are looking for ways to pull in the afterhours crowd – whether it’s hotel guests or locals. HD Golf™ helps them become a draw in the neighbourhood,” says Richardson. “It’s the ultimate, interactive form of entertainment for hotel bars and lounges.”
Some hotels, like the Eilan in San Antonio, a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, have installed the system next to the spa. “It’s the perfect ‘his and hers’ promotion,” says Richardson. “She gets an hour at the spa, he gets a round of golf at Pebble Beach.”
For hotels that install the system in multiple locations or chain-wide, there are additional benefits. Hotels can run worldwide golf tournaments and competitions. The system also allows hotels to create their own virtual clubhouse, a social network that draws guests back after they’ve left the hotel.
HD Golf™ systems cost less to install and maintain than many other hotel amenities making them a great addition to any hotel looking to enhance its guest experience, increase revenue and build loyalty amongst its clientele.
