Golf tourism is in a magnificently healthy state in Andalucía at the moment, and it is forecast to grow even stronger over the next few years. The economic recovery has been most noticeable in this sector, and the excellent occupancy figures are continuing. According to statistics compiled by the Turismo Andaluz public enterprise, around half a million golfers travel to the region every year, from elsewhere in Spain, Europe and other countries around the world.
These figures are highlighted by golfers visiting from Great Britain, 38.8 per cent of the total. The second most important source market for Andalucía is the rest of Spain, with 14 per cent, while Germany is third (11.7 per cent) followed closely by Ireland (10.7 per cent). Next come France (3.5 per cent), Holland and Sweden (both three per cent), with the remainder totalling 15.4 per cent.
Bearing in mind that the average stay for this category of tourist is 12 days – i.e. three times more than the average for all tourists visiting Andalucía – and they spend an average of €88.40 a day when the overall average is €59.80, it is clear how important this segment is for the regional community.
Just how important is further demonstrated by another key aspect: the fact that the golfing high season is during the autumn and winter months – i.e. during the low season for so-called sun and beach tourism.
Golf visitors therefore boost the local economy when it is most needed, making a significant contribution to supporting the viability of hotels, other tourist accommodation, restaurants, bars, rent-a-car companies, etc.
As for what most encourages golfers to visit Andalucía, 69 per cent of tourists said they had no secondary motive other than playing golf. However, 16.5 per cent said they were also motivated by sun and beach, and 8.8 per cent by cultural tourism.
When it comes to actually playing golf, the number of rounds played has held firm in recent years, with an average of six during their stay. These tourists also visit an average of three different golf courses when holidaying in Andalucía.
The state-owned company with responsibility for tourism and sport in Andalucía plays an important role in promoting golf as a major tourist attraction in the region.
Turismo Andaluz pays special attention to established markets, to attract new visitors and enhance the loyalty of those who are already familiar with this premier golf destination in Europe. To that end, promotional activities are planned in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, the Nordic countries and Switzerland, among others.
Andalucía has nearly 120 golf courses, of which 73 are located on the Costa del Sol, which takes in the Málaga and Campo de Gibraltar (eastern end of Cádiz province) coastlines. The latter area is home to the Sotogrande macro-urbanisation, where the historic 1997 Ryder Cup was held at the Royal Valderrama Club.
