Ten years after hosting its first International Golf Market, the world's premier global event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media returns to The Canary Islands, in Spain, providing a platform for the region to showcase its development as one of Europe's leading golf tourism destinations.
In 2014, more than 110,000 golf tourists from across the world chose The Canary Islands* adding in excess of €171 million** to the local economy.
Since Golf Market was last staged in The Canary Islands in 2005, the number of rounds played by golf visitors has also steadily increased, with Gran Canaria recording close to 165,000 rounds per annum, while Tenerife surpassed 300,000, based on 2014 figures.
Carlos Alonso, President of the Tenerife Government (Cabildo), said:: "The island now boasts nine different 18-hole layouts and two 9-hole pitch and putt courses, which directly correlates to the region's on-going popularity as a golf tourism destination.
"Many of Tenerife's courses are now recognised in numerous rankings and the 2015 eyar will provide further evidence that the region's many golf courses and resorts, along with the year-round climate, are collectively creating one of Europe's leading golf destinations."
Peter Grimster, exhibition Manager, commented: "For The Canary Islands to continue to experience growth in golf visitor numbers is a notable achievement and underlines how attractive the islands have now become to golf travellers from across Europe and beyond."
María Teresa Lorenzo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports at the Regional Government has stated: "The Canary Islands have a clear advantage over other golf destinations: their great climate makes it possible to play 365 days a year.
"This fact, together with our wide hotel offer have made us a perfect spot for golfers, with all the advantages of a destination which is part of the European Union and easily reachable from the main European cities."
According to the latest figures from Turespaña, golf accounted for more than 986,000 foreign tourists visiting Spain in 2014. Marta Blanco, General Director of Turespaña, commented: "Turespaña fully supports the celebration of key events within the golfing calendar.
PICTURE CAPTION: Carlos Alonso, President of the Tenerife Government (Cabildo), welcomes IGTM to Tenerife
