Costa del Sol: Europe’s favorite golf destination
Imagine waking up to views of the Mediterranean, spending the morning on a seaside golf course, and ending the day tasting local cuisine in a Michelin-starred restaurant. By 2025, for the international golfer, this is no longer a dream… it’s a reality. According to the latest Travellyze study, the Costa del Sol is consolidating its position as one of the favorite destinations for golf tourism, not only for the quality of its courses, but for the overall experience it offers: wellness, culture, gastronomy, and sustainability.
The United Kingdom, Germany, and the Nordic countries place the region among their top destinations, with a revealing fact: more than 60% of Britons and almost half of Germans are willing to spend more than €10,000 on their trip. These tourists don’t travel alone; most travel as a couple, seeking a balance between sport and enjoyment. What’s more, they are loyal: 70% of British and Nordic travelers plan to return.
But the Costa del Sol isn’t standing still: digitalization, gastronomic offerings, respect for the environment, and cultural authenticity are paving the way for more exclusive and competitive golf tourism.
A Demanding and Loyal Profile
The report indicates that today’s international golfer is multigenerational, demanding, and has a high spending capacity. They aren’t satisfied with just good courses, but rather seek complete experiences that combine sport, leisure, and well-being.
The loyalty rate is one of the Costa del Sol’s strongest points: nearly 70% of British and Nordic tourists intend to return. However, the German market poses a greater challenge, with increased competition from other national and international destinations.
Beyond Golf: Gastronomy, Culture, and Sustainability
Among the emerging trends, the report highlights sustainability, accessibility, and digitalization as key factors for enriching the golfer’s experience. Travelers increasingly value options that integrate local cuisine, authentic cultural experiences, and short breaks that adapt to their time and lifestyle.
Social media and personal recommendations continue to be key channels for inspiration, while travel agency websites lead the way in bookings. This data opens up opportunities to strengthen the destination’s digital presence and offer personalized products.
The challenge: a comprehensive proposal to continue leading the way
Antonio Díaz, managing director of Turismo Costa del Sol, sums it up clearly: “To remain competitive, we must move toward a comprehensive proposal that combines golf, quality of service, sustainability, and authentic experiences. This is the roadmap to continue attracting a loyal and demanding public.”
With more than 70 golf courses and a tourism offering that ranges from beaches and culture to first-class cuisine, the Costa del Sol not only competes, but also inspires. And the challenge for the coming years is to maintain this competitive advantage, adapting to the new demands of the premium traveler.
Full article: Opengolf.es
