The Dominican Republic Golf Travel Exchange 2015 *, including the 2rd edition held at La Romana, revealed a continued growth of golf tourism in the Dominican Republic. With more than $ 200 million in revenue generated in the segment, the destination is showing positive results.

  • Photo: DR

The destination is counting on 300 million USD in revenue by 2016

Golf tourism generates around $ 200 million in annual revenue and could reach as much as $ 300 million in 2016, according to calculations established by the study of the North American subsidiary of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IATGO North America). In 2014, more than 140 golfers went to the Dominican Republic, according to the same study.

These data were presented by Teddy de Lara, director of the DR Golf Travel Exchange, on the occasion of the 2rd edition of this international golf workshop, during which the latest luxury facilities and equipment offered by the country in the Caribbean region, as well as upscale resorts and hotels with exceptional grounds were also discussed.

The DR Golf Travel Exchange aims to promote the Dominican Republic as an essential golf destination and to analyze the impact of this niche market on the country's economy. Organized in La Romana, the workshop brought together influential professionals from the sector and more than 85 travel agents and specialized tour operators, coming from the European, Scandinavian or even South American markets. With 40% more participants than the previous year, the DR Golf Travel Exchange has thus demonstrated the dynamism of the Dominican golf tourism market.

The main sources of golf tourism are the United States (around 70% of visitors), Canada, Europe and Latin America respectively.

Many golf competitions will be held in the Dominican Republic

The famous Teeth of the Dog golf course, located in the heart of the luxury complex of Casa de Campo, in La Romana, will host the next edition of the Latin America Amateur Championship 2016 (LAAC), which will take place from January 14 to 17, 2016. Teeth of The Dog is considered the best golf course in the Caribbean by Golf Magazine.

Currently, the country has 26 golf courses. Of these, 18 offer courses of 27 holes and 1 of 9, for a total of 351 holes - 68 of which overlook the sea. In 2016, new 18-hole courses will be inaugurated.

The Dominican courses were designed by the biggest names in golf such as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Nick Price, Robert Trent Jones Sr., José "Pepe" Gancedo, PB Dye, among others.

* Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the Casa de Campo resort, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IATGO), the National Association of Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES), The Level by Melia Caribe Tropical, Cocotal Golf Club, Punta Espada Golf Club, BanReservas, Banco Popular, Delta Airlines, Coca Cola, Dasani, Powerade, IVI DMC, Turaser and VPAR.

To find out more about the Dominican Republic: http://www.godominicanrepublic.com