Golf tourism in the Algarve last year generated €370 million from golfers and supported 16,800 jobs – a total Gross Added Value of €500 million, according to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).The study was commissioned by the Tourism Association of Algarve (ATA) - the agency responsible for tourism promotion of the Algarve in overseas markets.
"In spite of its recognised strategic importance for tourism of the region, to date there were no concrete data to assess the value creation of golf in the Algarve, which is why the ATA decided to commission this study," reads the association’s statement.
According to the results, golf players' spending filters down to various sectors of the regional and national economy, causing a direct and indirect impact on jobs, taxes and trade balances.
"The results of this study confirm the recognition of the golf industry as an extremely important economic sector in Portugal and in particular in the Algarve," said Carlos Gonçalves Luís, the ATA president.
Currently, the Algarve represents approximately 70% of the number of rounds played nationally (1.3 million rounds were played in the region last year), which proves the importance and the potential that this product represents for tourism, according to the view of the ATA whose president says that golf also combats ‘seasonality.’
Dora Coelho, executive director of ATA, said that tourists visiting the region to play golf, "are highly loyal to the destination," adding that "87% of the players surveyed had already visited the Algarve in the past, a very expressive indicator as regards the satisfaction of tourists with the product offered."
The golf tourist in the Algarve spends €1,500 on average, staying in 4 or 5 star hotels. Most are from the UK, (73%), a percentage that is related directly to the number of air links.
In choosing the Algarve as a holiday destination, the mild climate (79% of the respondents) and the quality of the golf courses (56%) weigh heavily.
"We are very pleased with the data obtained through this study, not only for the positive results that come to validate the strategy that ATA has been implementing, along with its associates, in the external promotion of the region, but also by the recognition of the weight and relevance that this industry represents in terms of regional and national economic impact," said Carlos Gonçalves Luís.
The survey information gathered will allow us, concluded Luís, "to create new opportunities and solutions, in the medium and long-term, that allow us to continue to enhance the excellence of the Algarve as an appealing tourist destination throughout the year."
