SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC., Today released its new report, at IGTM - Photo: DR

This report, produced by SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC., Official partner of the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), was revealed today at this show. It indicates that the average amount spent by this category has increased by 13% compared to 2012.

Analyzing the responses of over 9 regular golfers (who play at least 500 times a year) in the four largest golf markets in Europe, this report also shows that golfers living in France spend 12 , 5,7 days on average.

Of all those interviewed for the study, golfers in Germany spent the most on their golf vacation "abroad", with an average of € 2, an increase of 041% over to 25. Their stay averaged 2012 days. The Swedes, meanwhile, spend € 6,9 over 1 days on average. British golfers are the least spenders, with an average of € 080 and a 6,6-day vacation, down 946% from 5,8.

Asked about this study, Peter Grimster, Director of exhibitions of Reed Travel Exhibitions, underlined: “As with the study we commissioned in 2012, this 2017 report describes the habits of golfers in Europe's largest markets.

While spending in the UK and Sweden has fallen slightly over the past five years, the results highlight the opportunities for tour operators. Indeed, there is an audience of passionate golfers, especially in France and Germany, who continue to devote considerable sums to their golf vacations ”.

This study also indicates that Spain remains the preferred destination for all markets, with 14% of respondents having chosen this country for their golf vacation in the past 12 months. The second most popular destination for golfers in the United Kingdom, Sweden and France was Portugal, while respondents from Germany preferred Austria: 13,4% chose this country for a golf trip in 2017.

This study also asked golfers from the four countries to choose emerging golfing destinations: they cited South Africa, Turkey and Thailand. Of British golfers surveyed, 39,1% identified Turkey as a key emerging market, and over 24% of respondents in Sweden and Germany chose South Africa as a possible future destination.

Peter Grimster added: "This has been a stage on the European Circuit for several years, but it is interesting to note that South Africa continues to grow as a key market for golfers in Europe. With an increasing number of South African destinations present at the 2018 edition of the IGTM, I am delighted to see that the IGTM continues to perfectly represent the world golf tourism industry. "

A copy of the published report will be available on www.sportsmarketingsurveysinc.com

For further information on IGTM: igtm.wtm.com