A Strategic Review of Golf Tourism in Northern Ireland 2015 - 2020

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Key Geographic Markets
Northern Ireland’s success to date is in attracting
golfers from North America, GB and Ireland, with smaller
numbers coming from various European markets.
Because of the numbers of players in these areas,
Northern Ireland’s reputation and visibility, and the
product/market fit, the recommendation is that the
following focus remains the geographical priority:
• North America (USA & Canada)
• GB
• Ireland
• Europe
Germany and Sweden are the two biggest mainland
European golfing markets, although opportunities
exist to attract golfers from other European countries.
The recommendation is segmenting the European
markets as follows:
• Primary – Scandinavia / Germany
• Secondary - Netherlands, France, Belgium,
Switzerland, Austria, Spain and Italy.
Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing to all
markets outside Ireland. While there is potential in
the emerging golfing markets of China and India,
considerable product development is required on the
ground to meet the demands of these markets before
any major marketing investment is undertaken.
Key Segments of Travelling
Golfers for Northern Ireland
While there is overlap between market segments, it is
important to understand the characteristics of golfers
and their motivations to travel. The segments of most
importance to Northern Ireland are considered to be
the following:
1. Trophy Hunters
2. Four-Balls
3. Couples Golf
4. Value Golf Seekers
5. Society Golf
6. Corporate Golf
Broadly speaking, golfers fit within an older
demographic (45+) and will travel in couples or groups
of friends. Word-of-mouth plays an important role
amongst this demographic. Specific demographics of
golfers from priority markets have been considered,
as well as the need for Northern Ireland to address
emerging trends and opportunities from golf markets,
e.g. the high percentage of female golfers in Europe,
more golfing couples travelling, an increase/ return of
smaller corporate golf groups.
Marketing to emerging markets would be Tourism
Ireland supporting golf tour operators with a
presence in these markets and individual courses/
clubs that prioritise and are prepared to invest in
these emerging markets.
The recommendation is to continue with a budget
allocation to encourage golf travel writers and tour
operators from emerging destinations respectively
to profile Northern Ireland or develop commercial
platforms, allowing organic growth in these markets 15
with absolute minimum spend.
15. IAGTO identifies that 67% of golf destination choice is peer-led and influenced by PR