Venezuela no longer good for golfers

Two luxury golf courses in Venezuela's capital city of Caracas are to be seized by its mayor and used for housing.

Mayor Juan Barreto, an ally of the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, has stated that to play golf on such exclusive courses in view of the city's slums is "shameful".

Caracas is suffering from a housing shortage and many citizens are struggling to find affordable homes.

Shanty towns have been an issue in Caracas for decades and the current left wing administration wishes to build new housing on repossessed land to give to the poor.

In an interview with a state TV channel, Mayor Barreto stated: "It's shameful to see people playing golf and just right there in front of them is a shantytown.

"We are following the policies laid out by President Chavez: to give a new social direction to the city, so the city can be enjoyed by everyone."

President Chavez has been attempting to amend the housing shortage in Venezuela for some time and has gone through a host of ministers to deal with the problem.

For those keen golfers considering a break in Venezuela, visiting Caracas won't provide you with some great tee practice.

However, visitors could always consider the Columbus ship replica, the botanical gardens and the wildlife park.

Venezuela's tourist industry is improving as word begins to spread of the country's natural beauty and array of activities from beach holidays to adventure in the Andes.