The global golf tourism market is forecast to reach approximately $10 billion by 2030, with demand for luxury holidays, domestic golf breaks and trips combining golf with wellness expected to drive growth.
New research from The Business Research Company projects annual growth of around 9% over the 2025-2030 period, highlighting opportunities for resorts, specialist travel operators and destinations investing in golf infrastructure.
Domestic travel is expected to remain the industry’s largest segment, accounting for approximately 62% of market value by 2030, worth around $6 billion. Short breaks, regional tournaments and weekend getaways are supporting demand, alongside tourism campaigns encouraging golfers to explore courses closer to home.
The research forecasts that domestic golf tourism will add approximately $2 billion in value between 2025 and 2030, while international golf travel will contribute a further $1 billion.
North America is projected to retain its position as the largest regional market, reaching $3.7 billion by 2030, compared with $2.5 billion in 2025.
The United States will remain the leading individual country for golf tourism, with revenues forecast to increase from $2.1 billion in 2025 to $3.3 billion by 2030. Demand for destination resorts, premium accommodation and holidays combining golf with other leisure activities is expected to underpin its expansion.
Its championship venues, established resort network and extensive professional tournament calendars also provide a strong platform for attracting domestic and overseas visitors.
Future trends
The report highlights that one of the principal trends is the growing importance of the wider resort experience. Golfers increasingly want holidays incorporating quality accommodation, dining, spas and opportunities to relax or socialise, rather than itineraries focused exclusively on playing.
Family-friendly facilities are also helping resorts appeal to mixed groups, enabling destinations to attract accompanying partners and relatives who may not play golf.
Investment in championship courses, premium hotels and transport links is another significant growth driver. Integrated tourism developments and comprehensive holiday packages are making destinations more accessible while giving operators additional products to sell.
Personalisation and digital booking are also shaping competition. Specialist operators are developing bespoke itineraries, strengthening resort partnerships and offering access to sought-after courses and tournament experiences, with convenience and service central to their appeal.
Despite the growth outlook, the market remains highly fragmented. According to the research, the ten largest operators collectively accounted for just 1% of global revenue in 2025. Carr Golf Travel was identified as the largest individual operator, with a 0.3% share. Other companies named in the report among the leading specialists include Kalos Golf, PerryGolf, Haversham & Baker and Golfasian, illustrating the breadth of businesses competing for premium golf travellers.
Collaborative destination marketing is another emerging theme, with resorts and tourism organisations pooling resources to build awareness through digital campaigns, shared branding and promotional partnerships.
Sustainability is also becoming part of operators’ strategies as they seek to appeal to environmentally conscious travellers, alongside packages linking golf with wellness and other experiences.
To order the full report, visit thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/golf-tourism-global-market-report