Triple sustainability: Social, economic and environmental
The Royal Spanish Golf Federation, the Spanish Golf Courses Association and the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation have highlighted the sustainability of golf in Spain and Andalusia in the presentation of the ‘PlaySpain.Golf’ project. This project, financed with Next Generation European Funds, is part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Spanish Government.
Economic impact of golf in Andalusia
According to the second report on the Economic Impact of Golf in Spain prepared by IE University, golf is a fundamental pillar of the Andalusian economy. Its overall economic impact amounts to 5,456 million euros, which represents 34% of the total impact of golf in Spain (16,000 million euros).
The PlaySpain.Golf platform integrates the entire Spanish golf offer in a single website, facilitating access to Andalusia ‘s golf courses and reinforcing its position as a leading destination in golf tourism.
Golf tourism in Andalusia
Each year, Andalusia receives 700,000 golf tourists, which is equivalent to 2% of the total number of visitors to the region. Of these:
- 417,000 are high-intensity golf tourists.
- The rest enjoy golf as a complementary activity to their stay.
Economic impact of golf tourism
- Direct golf tourism spending in Andalusia reached 1,757 million euros in 2024.
- Golfers spend an average of 352 euros per day.
- Eighty-five percent of this spending benefits complementary sectors such as lodging, restaurants and transportation.
Profitability of golf courses
- The Andalusian fields had a turnover of 304 million euros in 2024.
- The average turnover per management company is 3.1 million euros.
Real estate investment and golf
Golf is a key driver of real estate investment in Andalusia, with an estimated 602 million euros per year. The region has:
- 123,400 homes owned by golf tourists.
- A total updated value of more than 30.1 billion euros.
This trend consolidates Andalusia as a preferred destination not only for golf, but also for real estate investment.
Employment generation in the golf sector
- In 2023, golf in Andalusia generated 3,975 direct jobs.
- Ninety-four percent of these jobs are full-time and with an indefinite contract.
- If indirect and induced jobs are added, the total amounts to 51,000 jobs.
- This figure represents 38.6% of the national total in terms of golf employment.
Water use in Andalusian golf courses
A report by the University of Cadiz on the use of water in golf demonstrates the sector’s commitment to sustainability. Andalusia is moving towards becoming the first region in Spain to irrigate 100% of its courses with reclaimed water.
Efficient water management on golf courses
- Currently, 70% of the fields in coastal dry Spain use reclaimed water.
- The sector achieves a return of 147 euros per cubic meter of water consumed.
These data confirm that golf in Andalusia is not only profitable, but also adopts sustainable practices to minimize its environmental impact.
Andalusia, a reference in golf tourism
The data show that golf in Andalusia is much more than a tourist attraction; it is a key driver for the economy, employment generation and sustainability. The region stands out for:
- Its first class golf infrastructure.
- The constant growth of golf tourism.
- The integration of digital tools such as PlaySpain.Golf.
Yolanda de Aguilar, Secretary General for Tourism, stresses that:
“This study demonstrates that golf is a key economic driver, generating wealth and employment in a sustainable way.”
For his part, Pablo Mansilla, president of the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation, states:
“The economic report and water study confirm that we are managing golf efficiently and sustainably.”
Andalusia is consolidating its position as a benchmark for golf tourism in Spain, with a positive economic, labor and environmental impact. Its sustainability model, together with its infrastructure and tourist attractiveness, positions it as a key destination for golf worldwide.
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Author: Redacción Andalucía Golf
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