. The report developed by IE University confirms that golf tourism has grown by 171% since 2018. In 2022, Spain received 1.4 million golf tourists, mainly from Europe.
. El impacto económico del golf alcanzó los 15.937 millones de euros. El golf recibe directamente 1,1 de cada 10 euros generados, mientras los 8,9 euros restantes incrementan la facturación de otros sectores.
. Golf generates quality jobs and contributes to reducing the seasonality of tourism. In 2022, the golf sector generated 132,994 jobs, an increase of 9.61% compared to 2018 figures.
The Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG) and the Spanish Association of Golf Courses (AECG) present the conclusions of the Second Study on the Economic Impact of Golf in Spain, developed by IE University. This study, led by Juan Santaló, Professor of Strategic Management at IE, confirms that golf has consolidated its position as an engine of economic development and tourism growth in Spain.
ACCESS TO THE STUDY AND THE GOLF BRAND SPAIN REPORT below, in the Related Links section
In 2022, Spain welcomed 1.4 million golf tourists, primarily from Europe, representing a 171% increase compared to 2018 and solidifying the country's position as the European leader in this sector. These visitors are drawn not only by the quality of the courses and the favorable climate, but also by the range of services that complement the sporting experience.
Regarding the economic impact of golf in Spain, direct spending by golf tourists reached €5.872 billion in 2022, a 27.61% increase compared to 2019. This spending extends beyond golf courses, encompassing accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and leisure activities, thus generating a multiplier effect on the economy. In total, the economic impact of golf tourism amounted to €14.152 billion. The report's authors confirm that, considering direct, indirect, and induced revenue, the total output generated by golf course activity and tourist spending reached €15.937 billion in 2022.
In addition to its economic impact, the golf sector stands out for the quality of employment it generates. In 2022, 132,994 jobs were created, representing a 9.61% increase compared to 2019. The majority of these jobs were permanent contracts (93.41%) and full-time positions (94.71%), figures that exceed the national average and reflect a commitment to job stability and sustainability. This growth in job creation and the quality of available jobs not only boosts the economy but also contributes to reducing the seasonality of tourism, since the peak golf season is spread across the spring and autumn months, avoiding the typical summer crowds and supporting the economic development of local communities throughout the year.
Since the report's inception in 2018, golf has shown significant progress across all economic and tourism indicators. Not only has there been an increase in the number of tourists and their total spending, but there has also been substantial growth in real estate investment by golf tourists. In 2023, golf tourists owned 382,755 properties in Spain, with a total value of €82.342 billion. This figure reflects the loyalty of golf tourists who choose Spain as a holiday and sports destination, and their impact on the real estate sector, contributing to market stability and attracting foreign investment.
The IE University report also highlights that golf tourism helps to reduce the seasonality of tourism in Spain. Unlike other tourism sectors, golf's peak season is concentrated in the spring and autumn months, allowing economic benefits to be distributed throughout the year and avoiding the overcrowding typical of the summer months. This trend promotes sustainable tourism and supports local communities that depend on this activity for their economic development.
Golf, in addition to being a sport, has become an essential component of Spain's tourist appeal. The Royal Spanish Golf Federation and the Spanish Golf Association urge public administrations and private entities to continue supporting and promoting this sector to maximize its contribution to Spain's well-being and prosperity. Through joint initiatives and supportive policies, golf can remain a benchmark in Spain's tourism offerings and a model of sustainability and quality.
Gonzaga Escauriaza, presidente de la RFEG, señaló que, “Esta segunda edición del estudio 'Impacto económico del golf en España' confirma que el golf ha pasado de ser visto como un simple complemento turístico a convertirse en un motor económico clave para nuestro país. Los datos de IE University muestran que 7 de cada 8 euros generados por el golf benefician a otros sectores como la hostelería y la restauración, destacando su efecto multiplicador y su contribución a la desestacionalización del turismo.”
Por su lado Luis Nigorra, presidente de la AECG, comentó que “los datos demuestran que el golf no solo es un deporte, sino un catalizador económico y social. Desde la primera edición del estudio en 2019, hemos visto cómo el golf ha cambiado la percepción pública, siendo reconocido por su doble naturaleza deportiva y turística y considerado por la Administración como generador de riqueza. Seguimos comprometidos en nuestra labor para que el golf sea reconocido plenamente como una industria que genera riqueza y empleo de calidad en España.»
Por último, el Catedrático Santaló, autor del estudio, confirmó que “La principal conclusión del informe es que como catalizador económico, el golf en España genera un impacto mucho mayor en sectores complementarios, especialmente gracias a su liderazgo en el turismo de golf en Europa.”
Data sources
The study on the economic impact of golf in Spain was carried out by IE University based on a questionnaire to the companies that manage golf courses in Spain - carried out by the AECG and the RFEG - as well as data from Mastercard that collect the spending patterns of foreign tourists in Spain up to one month before and one month after their visit, and microdata from the Tourist Expenditure Survey provided by the National Institute of Statistics.
About the Royal Spanish Golf Federation
The Royal Spanish Golf Federation is a private, non-profit association with its own legal personality and assets, independent of those of its members. It has full legal capacity to act in pursuit of its objectives and is comprised of regional sports federations, clubs, athletes, coaches, referees, and other interested groups that promote, practice, or contribute to the development of golf within Spain.
About the Spanish Association of Golf Courses
La Asociación Española de Campos de Golf es una organización empresarial sin ánimo de lucro que se crea para defender los intereses del negocio de la industria del golf y que fue fundada en noviembre de 2015. La AECG aglutina a un colectivo de más de 200 campos de golf de todo el territorio español, cifra que supone una cuota de representación del 55% del sector, y se trata de una Institución con vocación integradora, que tiene la intención de vertebrar el sector generando valor añadido a sus empresas miembros.
About IE University
IE University promueve el cambio positivo a través de la educación, la investigación y la innovación. La institución forma líderes con visión global, mentalidad emprendedora, un profundo respeto por la diversidad y la sostenibilidad y un enfoque único en las humanidades. IE University está integrada por 6 Escuelas: IE Business School, IE Law School, IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE School of Architecture and Design, IE School of Science and Technology e IE School of Humanities. La institución cuenta con un claustro de más de 500 profesores que investigan y forman cada año a alumnos de 160 países en programas Bachelor, Master y Executive Education. Los más de 82.000 graduados de IE University están presentes en 185 países.
