While the sands of Portugal’s beaches are deserted and the heat isn’t stifling, it’s the country’s 87 golf courses that draw tourists during the cold months. Against the peaks in tourist demand, golf is preparing for its first peak season, which begins in March and lasts until May. The optimism after a year of recovery in activity is based on the good results achieved in 2022, after the interregnum caused by the pandemic. In 2022, golf in Portugal had its best year ever, with a turnover of €154 million, a 6% increase on 2019, with a total of three million rounds played. But the modality’s impact on the country’s economy should far exceed these figures.
“This figure of EUR 154 million refers to direct revenue from green fees (the amount players pay to play), excluding all other services obtained on the golf course. Buggy rental, catering and lessons, among other activities related with practice There are a number of services provided on and off the golf courses that have an impact on employment and the economy. This impact is felt not only in accommodation and catering, but also in transfer services, car rental, shopping and cultural activities In other words, the direct and indirect impact on the national economy is huge and very important,” said Frederico Brion Sanches, Member of the Board of Directors of the National Golf Industry Council (CNIG).
Foreign tourists are the main contributors to record revenues in the country, accounting for 80% of trips conducted last year. It is in the Algarve that the international market gains greater weight (92%) with the British and Irish in the majority (65% of the players), followed by the Scandinavians with 13% and France with a weight of 6%. In Lisbon, where foreigners are responsible for 61% of the rounds played, in addition to these markets, Germany also stands out with a share of 9%.
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Source: DN
