268,000 golfers visited the DR. In 2019; this niche contributed $ 419 million to the economy.
The Dominican Republic could see an 11% increase in golf niche tourists compared to 2019. Because the US market, which is most important for the country, is set to grow and expand.
With the exception of 2020, the national numbers have increased alarmingly. According to the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), the number of tourists increased by 17% in 2018 compared to 2017 and 230,000 golfers were received who completed 289,000 rounds of golf or games. And it is estimated that they contributed $ 390 million to the economy.
And in 2019 the growth was 14%, 268,000 golfers were welcomed with 335,000 games and the economic contribution is estimated at 419 million US dollars.
The managing director of Target Marketing Consultants, the company that organizes the DR Golf Travel Exchange, Teddy De Lara, stated that the country was declared the world’s golf destination by the IAGTO in 2019. He explained that there are 28 golf courses in the DR, but 18 of them are most used by golf tourists. Besides, he is said golf tourists are most visited between January and April and a significant increase is expected as it is an outdoor sport.
According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), one-third of the United States’ population plays golf.
However, De Lara said media advertising and attendance at events around the world need to be increased in order for the country to be publicized as a travel destination and to maintain good numbers. He emphasized that more than 70% of the organizers and specialized golf agents in the USA rate the Dominican destination as very cheap for golf enthusiastic customers, as there are, in addition to safety and good weather, excellent flight connections and a variety of golf resorts.
De Lara announced that the “Dominican Republic Golf Travel Exchange” organized by Target Consultores will take place next Sunday, September 19 through Wednesday, September 22, 2021 in the Secrets Cap Cana Hotel of the AMR Collection hotel chain.
In its seventh edition, the event is being carried out to strengthen the Dominican Republic as an ideal golf destination. Tour operators, international golf media, hotel managers working in the industry and special guests take part in it.