Golf holidays are experiencing a resurgence, not just among experienced players but among a wider range of travellers. They now attract people looking for fresh air and value for money after a period of uncertainty.
Recent industry insights indicate that travelers increasingly want their vacations to be rejuvenating and revitalizing, making golf resorts – especially those with spas, gyms, beaches and cultural experiences – extremely attractive.
Golf tourism rebounds after pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen many travelers postpone major trips for extended periods of time, sparking a wave of pent-up demand and reigniting interest in golf vacations. Confidence in international travel has returned; with social distancing no longer a restriction, golfers are eager to explore courses abroad again.
An advantage of a golf holiday is also its inherently outdoor nature. Spending time in spacious, scenic surroundings has become especially desirable post-pandemic, and this preference has filtered into current booking patterns. The global golf tourism industry is on a clear upward trajectory, supported by tourists seeking outdoor activities and structured recreation.
Couples, young players and women become new golfers
Older men no longer dominate golf travel; instead, the group is expanding to include younger players, women and, most importantly, couples. Attracted by social events and high-quality leisure facilities, more and more partners are booking golf holidays together.
Resorts have responded by offering shorter stays and flexible tee times. Many are promoting packages that combine golf with spas, dining experiences, pools and fitness facilities. The shift reflects cultural changes in the sport itself: Golf is becoming more inclusive and aligned with health and wellness.
Health and a “stay and play” mentality
The modern traveler wants more from their golf vacation than time on the course. More and more people are opting for a break that combines rounds with spa, quality dining, cultural excursions and pool breaks.
It fits into the wider “active holiday” tourism trend, such as that offered by the Titanic Resort in Belek, Turkey, where guests can enjoy championship golf as well as luxurious wellness facilities and family-friendly amenities.
Booking trends and emerging hotspots
Visitors are opting for shorter but more frequent golf breaks, choosing destinations that offer flexibility and reliable weather. In addition to the classic hotspots of Spain and Portugal, emerging hotspots such as the Lofoten Islands and Vietnam are also gaining traction.
Golf tourism in the UK is expected to grow steadily over the next decade, reflecting not only growing enthusiasm for the sport but also wider interest in holidays with varied activities and unforgettable experiences.
