Golf travel experts believe the secret is finally out on the holiday island of Majorca.
The largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands plays host to the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) – the world’s premier event of its kind in the industry – in November (14-17). And it does so from a position of real strength, with tourists flocking to the fairways in larger numbers than ever before to ensure it is one of the world’s fastest-growing golf destinations.
Andrew Smith, Director of Product at Your Golf Travel, reported a staggering 84 % increase in bookings to Majorca in 2015 and always knew the potential was there. And he has backed the upward trend to continue.
Smith said: “Majorca has always been a bit of a sleeping giant, as far as we’re concerned. Despite being a key destination for the German market, the island has previously lacked exposure as a golf destination in the UK market.
“People know Majorca as a popular leisure or holiday destination but not necessarily for golf. I think that has definitely changed in recent years. Awareness started to increase and UK golfers began to understand what Majorca can offer.
“It wasn’t one thing that changed – there were a combination of factors – but the lid has certainly been lifted on somewhere that has huge potential for us. There is no reason that good growth can’t continue in 2016. It looks very promising for the future of Majorca as a golf destination.”
The beautiful and diverse island certainly has everything you could hope for in a golf destination, with 300 days of sunshine per year and average temperatures rising to a pleasant 25˚c (76˚F) in August.
The Asociación de Campos de Golf de Majorca (ACGM) – the Golf Course Association of Majorca – comprises 19 fabulous golf courses, all within an hour’s drive, making them easily accessible.
A want to play golf hole – Stunning par three at Son Nida GC, Majorca
Short flight times and popular routes from across Europe also aid the push for golf tourism and it’s clear to see why it has been branded ‘Majorca Golf Island’.
Ben Gayton, senior product manager for Europe at Golfbreaks.com, is another UK tour operator to report a surge in interest.
He said: “We have seen a real increase to Majorca over the past few years and this year has been even better. The great access with flights has always been a plus, especially with the short flight time.
“The main thing for us, in particular, is the amount of golf courses available and the quality of them. To have so many top golf courses in such close proximity is a real selling point, on an island that has something for everyone.”
Like the UK, the German market has also witnessed an increase in business.
Dominik Eiland, general manager of established Leverkusen-based golf tour operator ProGOLF-REISEN, believes the wealth of quality courses and easy access is a major attraction.
Eiland said: “In general, Majorca is one of the most popular and interesting golf destinations for the Germans. In our product range, there has been extreme growth for three years – more than 10 per cent every year.
“We expect that to continue in 2016 as more golfers are finding out what Majorca has to offer. The benefits are the best available flight connections from more or less all German airports and short flights. And when you arrive, there are fantastic golf courses, a wide product range and excellent hotels. On Majorca, there is something to suit every demand.”
- Majorca, with a surface area of 3,640 square km (1,405 square miles), is the largest of the Balearic Islands.
- Together with Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the group of islands are in the Mediterranean Sea, about 300km from the coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
- The distance to cross the whole island is approximately 100 km from north to south and about 78km from east to west. No point on the island is more than 40km from the sea.
- Palma de Mallorca is the capital with 400,000 habitants (almost half of the total population of Majorca).
- The Asociación de Campos de Golf de Mallorca (ACGM) – the Golf Course Association of Majorca – is made up of 19 golf courses across the island and is branded as Mallorca Golf Island.
- International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) will be held at Finca Son Termens, November 14-17, 2016.
