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.
The survey, produced by SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC, showed that more than 28% of respondents played golf in Spain over the past 12 months.
The findings form part of new research commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of IGTM (International Golf Travel Market) – the largest trade gathering of golf tour operators and hospitality professionals worldwide, which takes place in Costa Dorada, Spain this November.
Costa Del Sol is most played golf destination in Spain
Of the 28.5% of golfers who travelled to Spain for a golf holiday, 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 holiday 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.
The Spanish study also revealed that a golfer’s nationality impacts on their choice of region they are likely to visit.
British and Scandinavian golfers prefer the Costa del Sol; French golfers are more likely to visit Costa Brava; and German golfers travelled to all regions, including the Canary Islands.
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 were 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.”
Has this article got you interested in a Spanish golf holiday, then check out some our features on Spanish regions and resorts:
Beautiful South: Golf in Andalucia
Classic Coast: Golf in Costa Del Sol