Phuket Thailand Johnnie Walker Classic at risk
Reports from Thailand say that Riche Monde in Bangkok, distributor of Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky, has urged the Thai Government to decide within two weeks whether it can use the logo and brand to promote the upcoming Johnnie Walker Classic golf event in Phuket.
It is reported that if the government bans the use of the logo and brand, as well as prohibiting the company from using the brand in the name of the tournament, the alcohol company is ready to move the event to either South Korea or South Africa.
The Johnnie Walker Classic has been thrown into jeopardy by government legislation banning alcohol advertising and sponsorship, which will take effect on December 3.
At least two countries – South Korea and South Africa – have shown an interest in taking the tournament from Thailand, Vorathep Rangchaikul, president of Riche Monde, said yesterday.
The tournament’s organising committee has given the liquor trader two weeks to decide, with Riche Monde set to hold the tournament in Phuket in March, and many of the world’s top 50 players are expected to participate.
It is hoped the event will boost Phuket’s tourism income, and golf stars including Ernie Els and Adam Scott have agreed to join the tournament.
Vorathep estimated that the tournament would generate employment and at least Bt1 billion in profit for Phuket and it will be televised live to 300 million households in 62 countries with Johnnie Walker committing to promoting Thailand as a golf and spa paradise during the coverage.
Riche Monde asked the Prime Minister’s Office and the health, tourism and sport ministries about three weeks ago for permission to keep the name Johnnie Walker in the tournament’s title and maintain billboard advertising around the course, but the Government is yet to respond.
Vorathep said that if the request were not granted, the company might shift the tournament to another country, with the company having sponsored the Classic for more than 15 years and having already invested more than Bt100 million in next year’s tournament, including the attendance fee for several players.
“We have already confirmed the location, the Blue Canyon course in Phuket, so if that changes the golfers could refuse to attend, claiming we had broken the contract,” said Vorathep, adding that sport and other industries would lose about Bt10 billion from the incoming ban on alcohol advertising.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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