Spain still No.1 for golfers

A new study of European golfers has revealed that Spain remains the No.1 travel destination for visitors from the UK, France, Germany and Scandinavia.

More than 28% of respondents playing golf in the country over the past 12 months.

The findings form part of a new research document entitled ‘European Spotlight on Golf Tourism to Spain‘, which was commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), and produced by Sports Marketing Surveys Inc.

Of the 28.5% of golfers who travelled to Spain to play golf, 12.7% went to the Costa del Sol, 3.9% went to the Costa Brava region, 3.2% visited the Canary Islands and 8.7% went to other areas.

The research also revealed the popularity of other destinations with 17% visiting Portugal, 16.1% travelling to Great Britain & Ireland, 7.5% booking trips to Turkey, 7.1% visiting France and 6.9% booking long-haul golf trips to the USA.

The in-depth research also highlighted:

• The average duration for a Spanish golf trip is seven nights;

• Golf visitors to Spain predominantly stay in four and five-star accommodation;

• Visiting golfers spend between €170 (British golfers) to €230 (Scandinavians) per day;

• Golfers arrange between five and six rounds of golf during each Spanish holiday;

• During the course of a week’s holiday, golfers play up to four different Spanish courses, including the likes of Lumine, above.

The Spanish study also revealed that a golfer’s nationality impacts on their choice of region they are likely to visit, with British and Scandinavian golfers preferring the Costa del Sol; French golfers more likely to visit Costa Brava; and German golfers travelling to all regions, including the Canary Islands.

“This latest study proves that Spain remains at the heart of the European golf tourism industry.”

Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager, said: “This latest study proves that Spain remains at the heart of the European golf tourism industry and illustrates why thousands of golfers still put its golfing regions at the top of their wish list.”

Some of the key contributing factors that put Spain ahead of its rivals was the standard and range of the country’s golf courses, consistent levels of high quality accommodation and the favourable year-round climate.

Peter added: “As Spain is the host country for this year’s IGTM we will, of course, be welcoming a host of representatives from across the country, including 100 resorts, clubs and tourist boards, showcasing the country’s finest golf spots including host destination Catalonia, as well as Andalucía and the Balearic and Canary Islands.”

As host to IGTM 2013, the Catalan region of Costa Daurada is rapidly growing its reputation as a golf destination. Three years ago, less than 2% of total rounds played on the Costa Daurada were by international golfers. Today, that ratio has increased to 30% and continues to grow.

A summary of the report, with some additional findings, will be presented at IGTM, the premier global event for golf tourism, taking place at the PortAventura Convention Centre, Costa Daurada, Catalonia, Spain, November 11-14, 2013.

Spain, No.1 for golf: find out more

Full, detailed versions of this report, demonstrating Spain remains the most popular travel destination amongst golfers in the UK, Germany, France and Scandinavia, are available direct from Sports Marketing Surveys Inc. sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com