The Costa del Sol offers much more than enviable weather; it has also established itself as one of the leading destinations for golf travellers, according to the latest report by Travellyze, a powerful tourism analysis tool based on biannual surveys with more than 20,000 tourist responses.
In addition to reconfirming golfers’ high esteem for the Costa del Sol, the Travellyze study also highlighted this segment’s high international valuation and emerging trends, positioning the province of Malaga as an attractive destination for golf tourism.
With more than 70 golf courses and, according to the study, an average rating of 9.24 out of 10 given by golfers, it consolidates its position as a first-class destination. The promotion of women’s golf and the high evaluation of visitors underline the potential for growth and the economic benefits that golf brings to the province.
Internationally, this destination stands out for its positive assessment in the Nordic countries and leads the ranking in the United Kingdom as a territory full of opportunities for amateurs and professionals in this sport. It competes with Italy, France, and Malta, maintaining a prominent position thanks to its unique offer.
Golf travellers visiting the Costa del Sol will find many more than just exceptional golf courses. In addition to playing their favourite sport, golf lovers can enjoy a variety of other tourist attractions.
From relaxing on the stunning beaches, many of which display the coveted Blue Flag that guarantees their quality, to immersing yourself in the rich culture and history of the province, exploring cities such as Malaga, Marbella and Ronda, which offer a mix of stunning architecture, world-renowned museums and traditional festivals that provide an authentic insight into Andalusian traditions.
Mediterranean cuisine will also delight your taste buds with a wide selection of fresh produce, including seafood, pescaíto frito, and paella, and a high-end culinary scene that includes Michelin-starred restaurants.
Golf tourism is undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on sustainability, personalisation of experiences, and inclusion. The Costa del Sol shows its commitment to meeting these needs by offering a diversified and comprehensive experience to golf travellers.
Sporting Milestones of the Costa del Golf
The recent IAGTO European Convention in Malaga marked a significant milestone for the Costa del Sol – Costa del Golf. This event brought together more than 800 professionals from the golf segment and some 300 buyers, consolidating the province’s position as a benchmark in golf tourism at an international level.
Turismo Costa del Sol, one of the main sponsors, together with Turismo de Andalucía, had the opportunity to meet with numerous tour operators and specialist media, highlighting its commitment to golf tourism.
During the convention, a new edition of the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España was announced. This event will take place at the prestigious Real Club de Golf Las Brisas. It will highlight Costa del Golf’s high-level offerings and reinforce its position as a leading destination in the international arena.
Likewise, the Solheim Cup on the Costa del Sol was another outstanding achievement. This prestigious women’s golf tournament, held for the first time in Spain in September 2023, took place in Cortesín, Casares. Francisco Salado, president of the Malaga Provincial Council and Costa del Sol Tourism, highlighted the economic impact of between 400 and 500 million euros and a global audience of 461 million people.
The presence of King Felipe VI of Spain on the final day and his participation in the closing ceremony underlined the royal support for the event. The Solheim Cup not only generated a remarkable economic benefit and international visibility, with more than 13,000 rooms booked and almost 80,000 spectators but also consolidated the Costa del Sol as a premier destination for golf.
The Costa del Sol continues to establish itself as a first-class destination for golf tourism, thanks to the successful organisation of international events such as the IAGTO European Convention and the Solheim Cup, among other tournaments and events. These initiatives highlight the province’s high-level offer and excellent infrastructure, as well as generate a significant economic impact and global visibility.