. 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. 

. The economic impact of golf exceeds €15 billion. Golf directly receives 1.1 out of every 10 euros generated, while the remaining 8.9 euros increase the revenue of other sectors.

. 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, president of the RFEG (Royal Spanish Golf Federation), stated that, “This second edition of the study 'Economic Impact of Golf in Spain' confirms that golf has gone from being seen as a mere tourist complement to becoming a key economic driver for our country. Data from IE University shows that 8.9 out of every 10 euros generated by golf benefit other sectors such as hotels and restaurants, highlighting its multiplier effect and its contribution to reducing the seasonality of tourism.”

For his part, Luis Nigorra, president of the AECG, commented that “the data demonstrates that golf is not only a sport, but also an economic and social catalyst. Since the first edition of the study in 2019, we have seen how golf has changed in public perception, being recognized for its dual nature as a sport and a tourist attraction, and considered by the government as a generator of wealth. We remain committed to our work to ensure that golf is fully recognized as an industry that generates wealth and quality employment in Spain.»

Finally, Professor Santaló, author of the study, confirmed that "The main conclusion of the report is that, as an economic catalyst, golf in Spain generates a much greater impact on complementary sectors, especially thanks to its leadership in golf tourism in Europe."“

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

The Spanish Association of Golf Courses (AECG) is a non-profit business organization created to defend the interests of the golf industry and was founded in November 2015. The AECG brings together a group of more than 200 golf courses throughout Spain, representing 551% of the sector, and is an institution with an inclusive vocation, which intends to structure the sector by generating added value for its member companies.

About IE University

IE University promotes positive change through education, research, and innovation. The institution develops leaders with a global vision, an entrepreneurial mindset, a deep respect for diversity and sustainability, and a unique focus on the humanities. IE University comprises six schools: 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, and IE School of Humanities. The institution boasts a faculty of over 500 professors who conduct research and educate students from 160 countries each year in Bachelor's, Master's, and Executive Education programs. More than 82,000 IE University graduates are present in 185 countries.