Golf tourism is in excellent health in Andalusia and the outlook is that its strength will continue to grow in the coming years. It is the economic segment where the recovery of the economy has been noticed the earliest, and the good figures of occupation continue. According to the statistics handled by the public company Turismo Andaluz, around half a million golfers arrive in this autonomous community every year from the national territory as well as from European countries and other latitudes.
Particularly noteworthy is the presence of golfers from Great Britain, 38.8 percent of the total. The second largest source market of golf tourists to Andalusia is the Spanish, with 14 percent, and the third, German, with 11.7%, followed closely by Irish golf tourism, with 10.7%. Next come golfers from France, with 3.5 percent, the Netherlands and Sweden, both with 3 percent. Those from other countries account for the remaining 15.4%.
Taking into account that the average stay of this type of tourist is 12 days, three days longer than the average of all tourists visiting Andalusia, and that their average daily expenditure is 88.4 euros compared to the average of 59.8 euros for tourism in this destination as a whole, the economic importance of this segment for the autonomous community is clear.
And we must also take into account a fundamental fact that increases this importance: the fact that the high golf season occurs in the autumn and winter months, that is, in the low season of the so-called sun and beach tourism.
The golf visitor thus boosts the local economy when it is most needed, contributing to the support of hotels and other tourist accommodations, restaurants, bars, car rental companies, etc.
Regarding the motivation that moves golfers to travel to Andalusia and the activities carried out, 69% of tourists say they have no secondary reason to visit this autonomous community beyond the practice of golf. However, 16.5% are secondarily motivated by sun and beach, and 8.8% by cultural tourism.
As for the activity of playing golf, there has been a maintenance in the number of golf outings in recent years, with an average of 6 outings in their trip. In addition, these tourists visit an average of 3 golf courses during their vacations in Andalusia.
The public company for the management of Tourism and Sports in Andalusia plays a very important role in the promotion of golf as a tourist attraction in the region.
The Action Plan for 2016 includes nearly fifty actions specifically aimed at promoting Andalusia as a reference destination for the golf segment in Europe.
Thus, the community will be promoted, among other appointments and apart from media campaigns, through its presence in tournaments, golf fairs and events such as the annual meeting of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) at the International Golf Travel Market (IAGTO). The public company will focus especially on the consolidated outbound markets to attract new visitors and retain the loyalty of those who already know this leading golf destination in Europe. Thus, promotional activities are planned, among others, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Nordic countries and Switzerland.
Andalusia has almost 120 golf courses, 73 of which are located on the Costa del Sol, in the strip that includes the coast of Malaga and the Campo de Gibraltar in Cadiz. It is precisely in this area where the Sotogrande macro-urbanization is located, the venue in April for the Spanish Open, at the Real Club Valderrama, the scene of the historic 1997 Ryder Cup, two American Express World Championships and sixteen editions of the Volvo Masters.
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