La sede de la Secretariat of State for Tourism hosted today the closing event of the road show presentations of PlaySpain.Golf, a project jointly developed by the RFEG and the AECG, and which, within the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, is funded with Next Generation European Funds granted by the Secretariat of State for Tourism of the Government of Spain. A key initiative that reaffirms Spain’s commitment to the development of golf tourism and sustainability. This meeting brought together prominent representatives of the golf industry, government authorities, sustainability experts, and media.
The event served to share the conclusions of two highly relevant studies for the sector: the ‘II Study on the Economic Impact of Golf in Spain’, developed by IE University, and the ‘Report on Spanish Golf Courses and their Relationship with Water’, prepared by the University of Cádiz. Both reports highlighted the central role of golf as an economic driver and an example of sustainable management in Spain.
Economic impact of golf tourism
The IE University study confirms that Spain is consolidating its position as the European leader in golf tourism, with 1.4 million tourists in 2022, a 17% increase compared to 2018. This segment generated a total economic impact of 15.937 billion euros and created 132,994 quality jobs, significantly contributing to the deseasonalisation of tourism. Additionally, the direct and indirect spending associated with golf benefits sectors such as hospitality, catering, and transport, reinforcing the multiplier effect on the economy.
Golf tourism not only boosts the direct and indirect economy but also plays a crucial role in the deseasonalisation of tourism in Spain. Unlike other sectors, golf concentrates its high season in spring and autumn, attracting tourists during traditionally quieter periods and generating constant economic activity throughout the year. Furthermore, the impact of golf tourism is reflected in foreign real estate investment, with 382,755 homes acquired by golf tourists in Spain, valued at 82.342 billion euros. This enhances Spain’s appeal as a holiday and sports destination, strengthening both the real estate market and the national economy.
Sustainability and efficient water use
The ‘Report on Spanish Golf Courses and their Relationship with Water’ reveals that 56% of golf courses use water from non-conventional sources, such as reclaimed and desalinated water, and that 92% of courses apply water-saving practices. Spain leads the use of reclaimed water in Europe, with notable examples in the Costa del Sol, Canary Islands, and Balearic Islands, where more than 75% of courses use this sustainable resource. Additionally, each cubic metre of water used generates an economic return of 147 euros, of which 89% positively impacts sectors outside of golf.
A sustainable future for golf tourism
The closing event highlighted the importance of continuing to promote golf as a key economic activity and a benchmark in sustainability. The sector is working on the implementation of advanced irrigation technologies, the use of turf varieties with lower water consumption, and environmental education to reinforce its commitment to the environment.
The closure of the road show across the 17 Autonomous Communities of PlaySpain.Golf marked a milestone in promoting Spain as a sustainable golf destination, emphasising the balance between economic growth, quality tourism, and the preservation of natural resources.
The event was closed by Ana Muñoz Llabrés, director general of Tourism Policies of the Secretariat of State for Tourism, who highlighted that this is “a structuring project, which brings together the public-private alliance, throughout the national territory and integrates the entire value chain. An example of sustainability, from a triple perspective, but more as a virtuous circle that allows maintaining and improving the offer of golf courses.”
Meanwhile, Gonzaga Escauriaza, president of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, noted “the importance of constant communication to be able to show outside the sector the economic drive of golf and its catalytic importance, as well as the example the sector is setting for many others in responsible water use.”
Luis Nigorra, president of the Spanish Association of Golf Courses, emphasised “data that proudly demonstrate that we are leaders in many things, but we still have a long way to go for these data to resonate in society, and thereby help, among other things, to increase the percentage of profitable courses.”
II Study on the Economic Impact of Golf in Spain prepared by IE University
Report prepared by the University of Cádiz on water use in golf courses
