Golf tourism holds its line
Golf tourism is on the increase and is bouncing back from the economic downturn, a new survey by KPMG has revealed.
According to the Golf Travel Insights report, 60% of golf tour operators experienced an increase in the number of golf breaks booked in 2011, compared to 38% in 2010.
Similarly, just 12% of tour operators reported a decrease in bookings in 2011 compared to 54% the year before.
The survey, published by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice, included the feedback of 90 golf tour operators in 35 countries.
Spain and Portugal remained the most popular destinations, ahead of the UK & Ireland, while Turkey, as well as Thailand and Vietnam, continue to emerge as popular destinations for golf holidays, the report revealed.
However, Spain and Portugal saw an average price drop of 10-20% for golf holiday packages in 2011, while destinations in South East Asia increased prices by 30-50%.
Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice in EMA, said: "Our survey shows there is price sensitivity in the market and the popular destinations of Spain and Portugal have had to reduce their prices to maintain competitiveness.
"The quality of the golf courses is the most important factor for a consumer when choosing a destination, but the package price is now almost equally important."
Ian Jarrett
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