Why is golf a driving force for tourism in Spain?
23 October, 2024Golf has consolidated its position as an engine of economic development and growth of Tourism in Spain, as endorsed by the 'II Study on the Economic Impact of Golf in Spain' developed by IE University, which indicates that the country received 1.4 million tourists of this kind in 2022. These figures, driven by European markets, represent an increase of 17% compared to 2018, making Spain the European leader in this segment.
The Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG) and the Spanish Golf Courses Association (AECG) agree that these visitors are attracted not only by the quality of the courses and the favourable climate, but also by the range of services that complement the sporting experience.
In terms of economic impact, direct spending by golf tourists reached 5,872 million euros in 2022, 27.6% more than in 2019. This expenditure goes beyond the golf courses and includes accommodation, catering, transport and leisure, generating a multiplier effect on the economy. In total, the economic impact of golf tourism amounted to 14,152 million euros.