Golf Tourism Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Service Type (Personal Tours, Professional Tours), By Application (Domestic, International), By End User (Male, Female), By Region, By Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Golf Tourism Market, valued at USD 25.34 Billion in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 7.57% to reach USD 39.25 Billion by 2030. Golf tourism involves travel undertaken primarily for the purpose of engaging in golf activities, frequently integrating leisure and the exploration of new destinations. This market's expansion is substantially driven by the increasing global participation in golf as a recreational pursuit and the growing demographic of affluent travelers seeking premium golfing experiences. The continuous development of luxury golf resorts with sophisticated facilities further underpins growth. Moreover, targeted promotional initiatives by national tourism boards and an increasing number of international and domestic tournaments worldwide contribute to market dynamics. According to The R&A and European Golf Association, in 2023, Europe recorded 14 million 9 & 18 hole golfers, signifying a 32% growth over the preceding two years.

A significant challenge that could impede market expansion is the elevated cost structure associated with golf equipment and comprehensive travel packages. These substantial financial commitments can constrain the market by deterring a segment of potential tourists, particularly those with budgetary considerations, thereby limiting broader market accessibility and growth potential.

Key Market Drivers

The global golf tourism market is significantly shaped by two fundamental drivers: increasing global participation in golf and the growth in disposable income among the affluent traveler segment. Growing enthusiasm for golf across diverse demographics translates into a larger pool of potential golf tourists, fueling demand for varied travel experiences, from championship courses to accessible leisure venues. According to The R&A, July 2025, 'Global Participation Report', 64.1 million adults are now participating in golf in at least one format, marking an increase of 1.8 million since 2023. Concurrently, the expanding ranks of affluent travelers with substantial disposable income are crucial. These individuals possess the financial capacity and inclination for premium, experience-driven travel, often seeking exclusive golf destinations and high-end services. Their pursuit of luxury and tailored experiences elevates the value proposition of golf tourism, driving investment in upscale resorts and bespoke travel packages. According to Visa, July 2025, 'Affluent consumers set to drive global travel amid slowing world economy' report, affluent travelers' cross-border credit spend at destination was three times that of non-affluent travelers in 2024, highlighting their disproportionate spending power within the travel sector.

These converging trends foster a robust environment for sustained market expansion. Increased participation ensures a continuous supply of new and returning golfers seeking travel opportunities, while affluent travelers contribute significantly to the premium segment, elevating average spending and driving demand for top-tier amenities. This combined influence underpins the economic vitality observed in various regions. For example, according to the National Golf Foundation, 2023, 'THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF GOLF TO THE STATE OF MICHIGAN Executive Summary', the Michigan golf travel market was at least $1.03 billion, demonstrating the substantial regional economic contribution attributable to golf tourism.

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Key Market Challenges

The elevated cost structure associated with golf equipment and comprehensive travel packages presents a significant impediment to the expansion of the global golf tourism market. The substantial financial commitment required for participation, encompassing the purchase of high-priced equipment and booking extensive travel packages, acts as a direct barrier. This deters a considerable segment of potential tourists, particularly those with budgetary considerations, thereby limiting wider market accessibility.

This cost sensitivity directly influences travel decisions. According to the National Golf Foundation, the percentage of core golfers in the United States who undertook an overnight golf trip for leisure or business purposes decreased from 43% in 2023 to 41% in 2024. Such a reduction in overnight golf travel activity underscores how increasing expenditures for equipment and travel packages can constrain market growth by making these experiences less attainable for a segment of the golfing population.

Key Market Trends

AI-Powered Personalization and Digitalization represents a significant trend, transforming how golf travel is conceptualized and delivered. This trend involves leveraging advanced algorithms and digital platforms to create highly customized and efficient experiences for golf tourists. By analyzing individual preferences, past travel behaviors, and playing capabilities, AI systems can generate tailored itinerary suggestions, recommend specific courses, and streamline booking processes for accommodation and transport. This technological integration not only enhances the overall traveler journey but also improves operational efficiencies for tour operators. According to ABTA, the UK travel industry association, in October 2025, 'Travellers increasingly willing to use AI tools to design their next trip, survey shows', the proportion of holidaymakers utilizing artificial intelligence for trip planning doubled in the last year, reaching eight percent in 2025 from four percent in 2024, indicating a clear embrace of digital tools in travel decisions. This shift drives demand for integrated digital solutions that offer seamless, personalized service from inquiry to completion.

Increased Focus on Women and Youth Engagement is a crucial trend expanding the demographic reach of the global golf tourism market. Historically, golf tourism has been perceived as appealing to a narrower demographic, but targeted efforts are now broadening participation. This involves developing golf packages and resort experiences that cater specifically to families, women's groups, and junior golfers, often incorporating lessons, shorter courses, and other recreational activities. Such initiatives aim to foster a more inclusive environment and attract new segments of travelers, ensuring sustainable market growth. According to the National Golf Foundation, in February 2025, 'Golf Participation: Growing & Diversifying', there were nearly 8 million female on-course golfers in 2024, marking a 41 percent increase since 2019 and representing 28 percent of all on-course golfers, the highest proportion recorded. This strategic diversification is vital for tapping into previously underserved markets and securing the long-term vitality of golf tourism.

Segmental Insights

The International segment is recognized as the fastest-growing within the Global Golf Tourism Market, reflecting significant shifts in travel patterns and golfer preferences. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by increasing global golf participation, particularly from emerging economies with rising middle-class wealth and higher disposable incomes, enabling pursuit of premium experiences abroad. Furthermore, strategic investments in world-class golf infrastructure and resorts across diverse destinations, coupled with the growing allure of international tournaments and targeted promotional efforts by national tourism boards, significantly enhance appeal. Enhanced digital platforms also streamline planning and access to these global golfing opportunities, collectively fueling the segment's robust growth.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global Golf Tourism Market due to several key factors that establish it as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The region features an extensive collection of globally recognized golf courses, attracting both domestic and international visitors seeking high-quality golfing experiences. Its dominance is further reinforced by a well-developed infrastructure that supports comprehensive golf tourism and consistently hosts major professional golf tournaments. Additionally, a significant domestic interest in golf, coupled with robust economic conditions and strong consumer disposable income, sustains a consistent demand for golf-related travel and services within the region.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, GolfNow reported a record-pacing year for online bookings and an increased adoption of its technology by golf courses worldwide. The company introduced several innovative services throughout 2025, such as tee-time alerts and the capability to pre-order pro-shop merchandise. Additionally, GolfNow announced pivotal new collaborations with companies including Trackman, Back Nine, and USchedule. These partnerships expanded its online marketplace to incorporate indoor golf simulation experiences for both training and entertainment, thereby enhancing the comprehensive offerings for golf tourists.

• In December 2024, news emerged about the anticipated opening of several new golf resorts in 2025. Dream Golf, a developer of prominent golf destinations, was set to debut the first golf courses at two of its new resorts: Rodeo Dunes in Colorado and Wild Spring Dunes in Texas. These developments represent a significant expansion of available public and resort golf experiences, directly contributing to the growth and diversification of global golf tourism by offering new, high-quality destinations for travelers.

• In September 2024, Troon, a prominent golf and hospitality management company, forged new partnerships with Arizona-based properties including Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, Rancho Mañana Golf Club, and Sedona Golf Resort. This collaboration aimed to integrate these distinct courses into Troon's extensive network, increasing their visibility and accessibility for golf enthusiasts. The agreement provided these resorts with benefits from Troon's marketing platforms and included them in various loyalty and membership offerings, along with stay-and-play packages, directly enhancing options within the global golf tourism market.

• In January 2024, the PGA TOUR and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. announced a multi-year Official Marketing Partnership. This collaboration designated Barbados's tourism arm as an Official Tourism Sponsor of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions through 2027. The agreement aimed to showcase Barbados as a world-class destination for business, recreation, and leisure, emphasizing the island's seven premier golf courses. This partnership was intended to connect Barbados with a global audience of golf enthusiasts and sports fans, thereby enhancing the island's profile as a luxury sporting and travel destination.

Key Market Players

• Golfasian Co., Ltd.
• Premier Golf Tours Pty. Limited
• The Haversham & Baker Company
• Perry Travel Inc (DBA PerryGolf)
• Carr Golf & Corporate Travel Limited
• Palatinate Group Limited
• SGH Golf Inc.
• Golfbreaks Ltd.
• Golf Tours International Ltd
• Scottish Golf Holidays Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Golf Tourism Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Golf Tourism Market, By Service Type:

o   Personal Tours

o   Professional Tours

• Golf Tourism Market, By Application:

o   Domestic

o   International

• Golf Tourism Market, By End User:

o   Male

o   Female

• Golf Tourism Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Golf Tourism Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Golf Tourism Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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