On the morning of 18/7, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong presented Australian golf millionaire Gregory John Norman (commonly known as Greg Norman) with the decision to appoint him as Vietnam's tourism ambassador for the 2025-2030 term. Norman previously held this role from October 2018 to October 2021.
Speaking at the ceremony, Norman said he was proud to continue his association with Vietnam. He pledged to make every effort to promote Vietnam to international tourists, not only as a golf destination but also as a country rich in heritage, nature, culture, and friendly people.
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Greg Norman, nicknamed "the Great White Shark". Photo: Golf Monthly |
Greg Norman, nicknamed "the Great White Shark". Photo: Golf Monthly
In his new term, Norman will continue to promote Vietnam golf tourism on his social media platforms, which have over 175,000 followers, raising international awareness of Vietnam as a golf destination. He also plans to bring a top-tier international golf tournament to Vietnam during his ambassadorship.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Norman's appointment will further develop "golf diplomacy"—a form of soft power connecting Vietnam with the international business, sports, and tourism communities.
Norman is not only a golf legend but also a friend of Vietnam tourism. His reappointment aims to leverage his role, prestige, international relationships, and understanding of Vietnam to promote the country's image globally.
Norman was born in 1955 in Queensland, Australia, and has two children. He and his wife currently live in the US. He competed on the PGA TOUR from 1983 and became a leading golfer in the 1980s and 1990s. Nicknamed "the Great White Shark", he has won over 90 championships worldwide. His net worth is estimated at around 350 million USD, according to Wealthiest. He first visited Vietnam in 2006 and has since designed three golf courses that have opened, in addition to undertaking other projects in the country.
The title of Vietnam Tourism Ambassador is an honorary title conferred by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism upon individuals who meet the criteria for promoting Vietnam's tourism image. Ambassadors serve for a specific term and promote Vietnamese tourism through public activities, media, journalism, art, photography, and other activities.
In addition to Norman, Vietnam has appointed other tourism ambassadors in previous terms: American director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, actress Ly Nha Ky, Anoa Suzanne Dussol Perran (French-Vietnamese), and Ly Xuong Can (South Korean).
Phuong Anh
