By Andrew Batt:
According to the latest Golf Travel Insights report from KPMG, more than 60 percent of golf tour operators experienced an increase in the number of golf holidays booked in 2011, compared to just 38 percent in the previous year, highlighting a welcomed boost to the golf tourism sector.
Utilising feedback from 90 golf tour operators in 35 countries, the survey, published by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice identified that Spain and Portugal continue to be the most popular golf holiday destinations, while the U.K., Ireland, Turkey and Thailand follow closely behind.
While the KPMG survey discovered that golfers from the USA, Canada, Sweden, Germany and the U.K. remain the biggest golf travellers, the data also revealed that golfers spend considerably more on a vacation than standard leisure tourists, spending between €600 and €900 (S$970 and S$1,540) for a four- to seven-night stay.
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España, said: “The golf tourism sector has proven to be a resilient and reliable market that always bounces back even when the chips are down and we are happy to hear that there is an optimistic outlook among golf tour operators with three-quarters of those surveyed in KPMG’s report expecting growth in the market this year and next.”
He added: “Spain is one of the biggest international golf destinations; it’s certainly the most popular European golf location and anyone thinking of buying a golf property in Spain would definitely be making a wise move. With our developments you are buying into community spirited neighbourhoods that afford excellent facilities and green surroundings as well as potential high returns from consistent demand should you choose to rent your property out.”
Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole course is one example of a quality golf course in Spain that has performed remarkably well. Pritchard’s company developed and sold more than 1,200 apartments, villas and detached homes during the last 11 years.
For those who are thinking about buying a golf property in Spain to perfect your swing or fill your pockets from rental opportunities, Taylor Wimpey España is offering La Floresta de la Mairena, set near the village of Elviria and its beach, very close to Marbella and Malaga, situated in beautiful surroundings which have been declared a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Just a ten-minute drive from two of the best known golf courses on the Costa del Sol, La Cala Golf Resort and Santa Maria Golf, this development comprises of two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom penthouses and affords two large communal swimming pools, landscape gardens and external private parking all built to the highest standard from €178,000 (S$287,300).
Los Robles de Los Arqueros II, is a modern complex with cutting edge interior set in one of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol, the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course. Offering stunning sea and golf views, the two- and three-bedroom apartments afford superb amenities such as swimming pools and community gardens with underground parking and storage for €240,000 (S$387,300).
Image: Spanish property La Floresta de la Mairena is very close to Marbella and Malaga.
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