Golf Tourism Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, Growth, Forecasts, 2032

Golf Tourism Industry Prospective:

The global golf tourism market size was worth around USD 5.40 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 8.46 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.10% between 2024 and 2032.

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Golf Tourism Market: Overview

Golf tourism refers to the specific type of travel and tourism focused on learning or participating in golfing events. The term is used to describe travel trips undertaken by individuals or groups of people to play or learn the intricacies of golf.

According to market research, the golf tourism industry is a growing market, although it has found only a limited number of consumers. Golf is an outdoor sport. It is generally played on a specially designed golf course and involves the players using clubs to hit a ball into holes placed in a specific sequence.

Market experts consider golf to be a rich man’s sport since the cost of golfing generally extends the expenses associated with other sports, such as cricket and football.

However, the sport has found a growing interest among younger players as the accessibility to golf courses has increased along with player awareness.

Increasing efforts undertaken by golfing-specific organizations to promote the game among the audience have further helped the industry grow. The golf tourism sector can benefit from the growing sports tourism market.

However, the high associated cost and limited game penetration among the general population may impact the industry’s overall revenue in the long term.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global golf tourism market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 5.10% over the forecast period (2024-2032)
• In terms of revenue, the global golf tourism market size was valued at around USD 5.40 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 8.46 billion by 2032.
• The golf tourism market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing sports tourism across the globe.
• Based on nationality, the domestic segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on booking method, the direct booking segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Golf Tourism Market: Growth Drivers

Growing sports tourism across the globe to help expand overall revenue in the industry

The global golf tourism market is projected to grow due to the rising investments in sports tourism worldwide. In 2023, the global sports tourism industry was valued at more than USD 500 billion, and according to market analysis, it is expected to deliver a CAGR of over 10.05% during the forecast period. Sports tourism refers to the travel activities specially planned to learn a certain sport, including gold.

Industry consumers travel to domestic or international locations to either enjoy playing at a better sports facility or learn from professionals.

The increasing disposable income and changing patterns of expenditure among the population have been crucial in promoting the demand for sports tourism.

For instance, the younger generation is more focused on spending on activities or events that excite them, unlike the older generation.

Operators in the gold tourism sector can benefit from a growing population that is more likely to invest in activities that promote happiness and self-satisfaction.

Increasing investments in promoting golfing events will promote growth revenue in the market

Awareness surrounding golfing has improved over the years. More people have shown interest in learning or playing the sport in the last decade. Until a few years ago, golf enjoyed high popularity only in certain parts of the world.

However, with time, the sport has become widely known across the globe. For instance, in November 2024, PGA Institute, an education facility affiliated with the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) and offering courses in golfing, announced the launch of Workforce Development Solution.

The program consists of a list of services, programs, and resources that are specially curated to meet the learning and development needs of golf clubs. Such events are likely to contribute to the revenue streams in the global gold tourism market.

Furthermore, in November 2024, Golf Ireland launched a new school initiative as a part of the country’s Golf Ireland Major Events Legacy Program.

The organization is expected to collaborate with more than 500 post-primary and primary schools. The program is expected to extend to over 20,000 students interested in golf over the course of the next 5 years.

Golf Tourism Market: Restraints

Limited consumers in the market limit the industry’s growth rate

The global industry for golf tourism is expected to be restricted due to the limited number of consumers in the market. Other sports, such as cricket, football, and basketball, tend to enjoy the benefits of a large number of followers.

For instance, football is considered the world’s most popular sport, with fans across genders, regions, and age groups. Golf, on the other hand, is relatively less popular, especially in low or middle-income countries, as participating in the sport requires heavy investments. Private golfing lessons can cost over USD 150 per hour, depending on the coach and the overall golfing infrastructure.

Golf Tourism Market: Opportunities

Online marketing and increased strategic partnerships among players hospitality industry will generate growth opportunities

The global golf tourism market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the increasing spending on online marketing and advertising.

Planning tourism-related events and booking tickets has become easier with digitizing the travel and hospitality sectors. The increased use of smartphone-based travel applications can provide necessary growth and momentum to industry players.

Additionally, golf tourism providers are strategically partnering with other players in the hospitality sector to reach a larger consumer group.

For instance, golf event providers are collaborating with luxury travel planners and companies to include golfing courses at reasonable prices.

Surge in government support to build golfing infrastructure will further promote the industry’s growth trends

Governments worldwide, especially in regions with a high inclination toward sporting events, are working on building golfing-friendly infrastructure to attract more revenue.

For instance, in October 2024, the PGA of America announced extensive partnerships with Indian companies to build PGA-branded golf courses across Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, thus creating opportunities for golf tourism in the country.

Golf Tourism Market: Challenges

Economic volatility, environmental concerns, and other factors to challenge market expansion

The global golf tourism industry is projected to be challenged by growing concerns over economic volatility worldwide. Moreover, building golf courses is a resource-intensive process, leading to environmental damage. The seasonal demand for golfing events, as it is an outdoor sport, could further impact overall revenue.

Golf Tourism Market: Segmentation

The global golf tourism market is segmented based on nationality, group type, booking method, demographics, and region.

Based on nationality, the global market segments are domestic and international. In 2023, around 58.01% of the total revenue was generated in the domestic segment. This segment refers to people from one country traveling domestically to learn and enjoy the game. Domestic travel is economically more viable. Moreover, it is also relatively hassle-free leading to higher segmental revenue.

Based on group type, the golf tourism industry divisions are individuals, families, sports enthusiasts, and others.

Based on the booking method, the global golf tourism industry is divided into direct booking, agent-based booking, and others. In 2023, the highest growth was registered in the direct booking segment, which held prominence over 42.05% of the final revenue.

The segmental demand is a result of increased bookings through online portals. These platforms have eased the process of finding relevant information and booking tickets or stays. The growing proliferation of online booking portals will aid further revenue in the segment.

Based on demographics, the global market divisions are female and male.

Golf Tourism Market: Report Scope

Golf Tourism Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific to fuel higher market expansion during the projection period

The global golf tourism market will be led by Asia-Pacific according to industry research. Countries such as China and Japan are likely to drive higher regional revenue in the coming years. China, for instance, is expected to deliver a CAGR of 7.31% in the coming years, while Japan’s CAGR will stand at more than 5.01%.

The rapidly growing golfing population in China, along with rising disposable income and changing lifestyles, are some of the major reasons for higher growth in China.

Furthermore, the regional government has increased its spending on building a robust golf-based sports infrastructure, which will attract tourists from other parts of the world.

In October 2024, South Korea’s leading golf course simulator, Golfzon, announced the launch of China’s first urban golf course spread across 16,000 square meters.

Similarly, in a recent event, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) launched a highly comprehensive guide for golf tourists in the country, thus promoting greater demand for regional business. Australia is anticipated to generate a CAGR of 6.55%. The country has an extensive presence of golf players, helping the region thrive.

Golf Tourism Market: Competitive Analysis

The global golf tourism market is led by players like:

• Your Golf Travel
• Links Golf St Andrews
• PerryGolf
• Golf International
• Golf Trip Junkie
• Golfbreaks
• Pinnacle Travel
• Haversham & Baker
• Golf Holidays Direct
• Premier Golf
• Luxury Golf Tours
• Carr Golf
• The Experience St Andrews
• Classic Golf Tours
• Golfasian

The global golf tourism market is segmented as follows:

By Nationality

• Domestic
• International

By Group Type

• Individuals
• Families
• Sports Enthusiasts
• Others

By Booking Method

• Direct Booking
• Agent-Based Booking
• Others

By Demographic

• Female
• Male

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa