Golf Tourism Market Size, Share & Demand Report By Traveler Type (Domestic Travelers, International Travelers), By Travel Purpose (Leisure Golf Tourism, Corporate Golf Tourism), By Booking Channel (Offline, Online), By Accommodation Type (Golf Resorts, Boutique Hotels), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America) & Segment Forecasts, 2025–2033
USD 3950
Market Overview
The global Golf Tourism Market was valued at USD 68.83 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 91.71 billion by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.24% from 2025 to 2033. The market analysis indicates that golf tourism has evolved from a niche leisure activity into a structured segment of the global tourism industry, supported by professional tournaments, premium golf resorts, and destination-based travel experiences.
One of the most influential global factors supporting the market growth was the steady recovery of international travel and leisure spending following prolonged restrictions earlier in the decade. Increased disposable income among middle- and high-income travelers, combined with rising interest in experiential travel, enhanced demand for golf-centric holiday packages. Governments and tourism boards in several countries also invested in golf infrastructure to attract high-spending tourists, strengthening the industry outlook.
Key Highlights
- North America accounted for approximately 38.4% of the global market share in 2024, while the Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region with a 7.4% CAGR during the forecast period.
- Based on traveler type, domestic golf tourists dominated with nearly 56% share, whereas international golf tourists are projected to grow at a 6.8% CAGR.
- Based on travel purpose, leisure-based golf tourism led the market, while corporate golf tourism is forecast to register the fastest growth at 7.1% CAGR.
- The United States remained the dominant country, valued at USD 7.6 billion in 2024 and estimated at USD 8.0 billion in 2025.
Market Trends
Integration of Golf with Luxury and Wellness Tourism
The Golf Tourism Market witnessed a strong trend toward integrating golf with luxury hospitality and wellness services. Golf resorts increasingly bundle spa treatments, fine dining, fitness programs, and personalized coaching into curated travel packages. This trend improved average spending per traveler and enhanced the perceived value of golf tourism experiences. High-end travelers preferred destinations offering holistic leisure experiences rather than single-activity trips, reinforcing this trend across established golf destinations.
Rise of Destination Golf Events and Amateur Tournaments
Another notable trend shaping Golf Tourism Market growth was the expansion of amateur and semi-professional golf tournaments hosted at destination resorts. These events attracted participants and spectators simultaneously, generating incremental tourism revenue. Resorts and tourism authorities leveraged such events to fill seasonal demand gaps, especially during off-peak travel periods. This trend supported longer stays and higher accommodation occupancy rates, contributing positively to market analysis and long-term industry insights.
Market Drivers
Growth in Experiential and Sports Tourism
The increasing preference for experiential travel significantly drove the Golf Tourism Market. Travelers increasingly sought skill-based and lifestyle-oriented experiences rather than traditional sightseeing. Golf tourism offered a structured yet recreational experience that appealed to both enthusiasts and casual players. This driver supported steady market growth across developed and emerging economies.
Expansion of Golf Infrastructure and Resort Development
Substantial investments in golf course development, training academies, and integrated resorts strengthened the market outlook. Governments and private developers collaborated to position golf tourism as a revenue-generating segment within national tourism strategies. Enhanced accessibility, modern course designs, and international-standard facilities supported the sustained growth forecast for the Golf Tourism Market.
Market Restraints
High Cost of Golf Tourism Experiences
A major restraint affecting the market was the relatively high cost associated with golf travel. Expenses related to green fees, equipment transport, resort accommodation, and course access limited participation among price-sensitive travelers. This restraint affected market penetration in developing regions where disposable income levels remained lower. Although budget-friendly packages emerged gradually, cost sensitivity continued to moderate overall growth in certain markets.
Market Opportunities
Growth Potential in Emerging Asian Destinations
Emerging golf destinations in Southeast Asia and South Asia present strong opportunities for the Golf Tourism Market. Countries investing in new courses and hospitality infrastructure are positioned to attract international golfers seeking diverse experiences at competitive prices.
Digital Booking Platforms and Custom Travel Packages
The expansion of digital platforms enabling customized golf travel planning created new growth avenues. Online booking, virtual course previews, and AI-based itinerary planning improved customer engagement and conversion rates, supporting future market expansion.
Traveler Type Insights
Domestic travelers accounted for approximately 56.3% of the Golf Tourism Market share in 2024, driven by frequent short-duration trips and weekend travel. Domestic golf tourism benefited from familiarity with destinations, lower travel costs, and easier access to courses. Many golfers preferred repeated visits to nearby resorts, which supported consistent demand and revenue stability for operators.
International travelers are projected to grow at a 6.8% CAGR during the forecast period. Growth will be supported by improving air connectivity, relaxed visa policies in select regions, and destination-focused marketing campaigns. International golfers typically spend more per trip, favor premium resorts, and extend stays, contributing positively to overall market size growth.
Travel Purpose Insights
Leisure golf tourism dominated the market with a 61.5% share in 2024, reflecting strong demand for vacation-driven golf experiences. Leisure travelers typically combine golf with relaxation, sightseeing, and family travel, making this segment a stable revenue contributor. Resorts tailored packages to recreational golfers, supporting sustained market share.
Corporate golf tourism is expected to expand at a 7.1% CAGR, driven by business retreats, incentive travel, and executive networking events. Companies increasingly use golf-based experiences for relationship-building and team engagement, supporting higher-value bookings and off-season demand.
Booking Channel Insights
Offline bookings held approximately 58.9% share in 2024, supported by travel agencies, tour operators, and corporate planners. Personalized itinerary planning and bundled offerings sustained demand for offline channels, particularly among high-spending and corporate travelers.
Online booking channels are projected to grow at a 7.6% CAGR, driven by digital adoption, dynamic pricing models, and mobile-friendly platforms. Online channels improved transparency, customization, and convenience, making them increasingly attractive to younger and international travelers.
Accommodation Type Insights
Golf resorts dominated the Golf Tourism Market with a 64.2% share in 2024, due to integrated facilities that combined courses, lodging, dining, and recreation. These resorts offered convenience and premium experiences, supporting higher occupancy rates and longer stays.
Boutique hotels near golf courses are expected to grow at a 6.5% CAGR, supported by flexible pricing, personalized services, and proximity advantages. Travelers seeking cost-effective or customized stays increasingly preferred boutique accommodations, contributing to segment growth during the forecast period.
| By Traveler Type | By Travel Purpose | By Booking Channel | By Accommodation Type |
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Regional Analysis
North America held nearly 38.0% of the Golf Tourism Market share in 2025 and was expected to grow at a 5.4% CAGR through 2033, reflecting its position as the most established regional market. Growth in the region was supported by a mature golf ecosystem, a large base of registered golfers, and advanced tourism infrastructure. The presence of well-developed domestic travel networks enabled consistent year-round golf tourism flows, particularly across the United States and Canada. Additionally, strong brand recognition of golf destinations enhanced repeat visitation rates, contributing to stable market size expansion.
The United States dominated the regional market due to the highest concentration of golf courses globally and strong domestic travel demand. States such as Florida, California, Arizona, and South Carolina benefited from favorable climate conditions that allowed year-round play. The integration of golf resorts with luxury accommodation, dining, and wellness services supported higher per-capita tourism spending. The country’s ability to host both professional tournaments and amateur golf events further strengthened its leadership position within the Golf Tourism Market.
Europe Market Trends
Europe accounted for approximately 27.2% of the market share in 2025 and was forecast to expand at a 5.8% CAGR during the forecast period. The regional market benefited from short-haul international travel, open-border policies within the European Union, and diverse climatic zones that enabled seasonal golf tourism across multiple countries. Europe’s golf tourism industry also benefited from cultural tourism integration, where golf was combined with heritage, gastronomy, and leisure travel experiences.
Spain emerged as the dominant country in Europe due to its favorable Mediterranean climate, high density of resort-style golf courses, and strong air connectivity with Northern and Western Europe. Spanish golf destinations attracted travelers seeking warm-weather play during winter months, particularly from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia. Well-developed resort infrastructure and competitive pricing supported steady growth in the European market.
Asia Pacific Market Trends
Asia Pacific represented nearly 19.6% of the Golf Tourism Market share in 2025 and is projected to grow at a 7.4% CAGR, making it the fastest-growing regional market. Growth was supported by rising disposable income, increasing participation in golf as a lifestyle sport, and large-scale investments in golf infrastructure. Emerging golf destinations in Southeast Asia also enhanced regional competitiveness by offering premium experiences at comparatively lower costs.
Japan remained the dominant country due to its strong domestic golf participation and premium golf course facilities. The country’s established golfing culture, coupled with high service standards and efficient transportation networks, supported consistent demand. Government-backed tourism initiatives aimed at attracting international travelers further strengthened Japan’s role in shaping the Asia Pacific market outlook.
Middle East & Africa Market Trends
The Middle East & Africa region held around 8.1% market share in 2025 and was projected to grow at a 6.2% CAGR through 2033. Growth in this region was primarily driven by luxury tourism investments and destination branding initiatives. Golf tourism benefited from integrated resort developments that combined championship courses with high-end hospitality, shopping, and entertainment offerings.
The United Arab Emirates dominated the regional market due to its world-class golf resorts, strong international air connectivity, and premium positioning. Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi attracted international golfers seeking high-quality facilities and winter-season play. The region’s focus on hosting international golf tournaments also enhanced visibility and tourism inflows, reinforcing its position within the market.
Latin America Market Trends
Latin America accounted for approximately 7.1% of the market share in 2025 and is forecast to grow at a 5.9% CAGR during the forecast period. The region’s market growth was supported by increasing resort development and rising international tourist arrivals. Latin America also benefited from growing interest in experiential and leisure tourism among international travelers.
Mexico led the regional market, supported by its proximity to North American source markets and expanding golf resort infrastructure. Coastal destinations with integrated golf and beach tourism offerings attracted high-spending travelers, particularly from the United States and Canada. Competitive pricing and improving service quality supported the steady expansion of the Golf Tourism Market in the region.
| North America | Europe | APAC | Middle East and Africa | LATAM |
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Competitive Landscape
The Golf Tourism Market is moderately fragmented, with global tour operators, resort chains, and specialized golf travel agencies competing on experience quality and destination diversity. Leading players focus on strategic partnerships, destination expansion, and digital platforms. TUI Group emerged as a market leader due to its diversified travel portfolio and investments in premium golf travel packages. Recent developments included the expansion of curated golf holiday offerings across Europe and Asia Pacific, strengthening its market position.
Key Players List
Recent developments
- January 2026: TUI UK&I travel agents shared trending destination insights and travel planning advice as part of its broader tourism services (not golf-specific) in January 2026 press releases reflecting ongoing brand activity.
- 2024: Golfbreaks Ltd. 2024: Launched a dynamic AI-driven packaging tool for customizable golf vacation bookings, which significantly increased customer engagement and bookings in 2024
