Greg Norman Named Vietnam Tourism Ambassador

Norman: “I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of the development and success of the emerging golf tourism market in Vietnam.”

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Nov. 1, 2018) – Greg Norman has been named Vietnam Tourism Ambassador as his golf course design firm serves in an advisory role to create and promote sustainable golf course tourism and development practices in-country.

In an ongoing effort to promote tourism in Vietnam, the Vietnamese Council of Ministers which includes the Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism voted unanimously to elect World Golf Hall-of-Fame member and entrepreneur Greg Norman as the Tourism Ambassador. In his role, Norman and his golf course design team will contribute to several growth initiatives to be implemented by the Vietnamese government to expand infrastructure and resort properties into new territories within the country. Norman and his team will advise the government on how best to utilize golf as a platform for enhancing the growth of international tourism, assist in establishing a comprehensive environmental policy for golf development and maintenance, assist in facilitating relationships with the international governing organizations in golf, the development of new golfers and enhancing the popularity golf in Vietnam.

“I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of the development and success of the emerging golf tourism market in Vietnam and to use what I have learned over 40 years in golf, business and working alongside governments to help build a model of sustainable growth and development,” said Norman. “Golf is a global language and Vietnam has seen tremendous continuous growth over the past decade. Vietnam has the potential to reach new heights, attract new tourism and direct foreign investment and with the support of the government, grow the next generation of Vietnamese golfers to support a sustainable long-term plan for the country. I am excited to showcase the wonderful people and magnificent landscape of Vietnam and help position the country to prosper for generations to come.”

With Norman’s global presence, vast background in golf, business and experience designing and building some of the top resort golf courses in Vietnam and around the world, he was identified by the Ministry as the ideal candidate to help the country capitalize on the influx of international tourists looking to experience first class golf resorts in one of the most unique and visually stunning destinations in the world.

“We are very pleased to appoint Greg Norman as the Vietnam Tourism Ambassador for the period of 2018-2021.

With future developments in Vietnam underway, golf tourism is relatively new but represents tremendous opportunity for growth in recreational tourism and foreign investment,” said Nguyen Ngoc Thien, Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism. “With its favorable geographic position, natural resources and diverse landscape, Vietnam is fast becoming an internationally recognized golf destination and Mr. Norman will continue to help elevate Vietnam’s profile and visibility. With his experience in the international arenas of golf, business, philanthropy, education, and environmental design, Mr. Norman’s prestige and influence will contribute to the success of Vietnam’s future.”

This appointment comes at a time when Vietnam’s tourism growth is emerging as one of the fastest globally, listed in the Top 10 in the world according to a United Nations World Tourism Organization Report. The golf tourism market in Vietnam is set to become a billion-dollar industry by 2020.

Arguably the most successful athlete-turned-businessman in the world, Greg Norman is known as much for his entrepreneurial spirit in the boardroom as his dominance on the golf course. The internationally renowned “Great White Shark” won more than 90 tournaments worldwide, including two Open Championships, and he holds the distinction of defending his No. 1 position in the world golf rankings for 331 weeks, the second-longest reign in history.

Greg Norman now transcends the game of golf, with over a dozen companies around the world bearing his name and the iconic shark logo as part of the Greg Norman Company, which he leads as Chairman & CEO. His internationally recognized brand boasts more than 100 golf course designs across six continents, a global real estate collection, award-winning wine, golf-inspired lifestyle apparel and a diverse investment division.

For more information: www.shark.com