“Gran Canaria is the perfect destination for golfers.”

 

- What is your initial assessment of the European congress being hosted by Gran Canaria?

This is the third edition of the IAGTO European Congress, and it's already the one with the highest participation and registrations, not only for our organization but also for all those held in Europe in this segment. In Gran Canaria, these days, we have 830 delegates from 52 countries, some as far away as Oman, Argentina, the United States, the Philippines, and all over the world, although Europe predominates, which offers enormous value to the island's positioning. Gran Canaria is a priority destination for us, and every event or activity we've held on the island has been economically productive. This has helped Gran Canaria's golf courses enjoy the current positive momentum.

 

The island welcomed around 100.000 golfers and generated €200 million in revenue in 2024. Do you think this figure can be maintained or increased in the coming years?

- Well, among the guests, we've brought 280 specialized tour operators from 37 different countries. They're here to sell European destinations and are also selling package tours to Gran Canaria, so the impact will be immediate in terms of tour operator sales and bookings. Furthermore, 70 of those 280 tour operators participated in routes and visits scheduled before the event to better understand the island, its golf courses, and its general offerings. This puts them in a strong position to sell the island's tourism attributes and the complete experience, so there will be an immediate benefit for Gran Canaria. 

 

How do you rate Gran Canaria's offerings for golfers? 

I can give you an idea of ​​what tour operators think. The first thing is the courses. You have seven courses on the island and four that are relatively close in the main tourist area. No more than 20 minutes by car, and this is recognized as a 'cluster'. It means that golfers staying in the southern area can easily play all four courses in a short time. That's what they're looking for. In addition, the courses are different and offer varied offerings. The four courses are unique, like those on the rest of the island, and offer a different experience. This happens in few places, especially if you look at the quality and perfect conditions of these courses. They are immaculate and very well managed, with very good professionals, good facilities, good venues, good food, and that's what they're looking for. But Gran Canaria also has other complementary attributes, such as easy connections from a variety of European cities and good airport mobility. This is important. There are many places to practice in Europe, but few with this variety within such a short distance, which leaves clients more time for other activities, such as eating out and excursions. Furthermore, Gran Canaria sells itself with its complementary offerings, its inland beauty, its vineyards, and its gastronomy. You have the sea, nature, and great cuisine. And this is highly valued. These are things that combine perfectly for the golf client and make Gran Canaria a perfect destination. No matter the age, you have many young people who enjoy nightlife, family tourists, and those looking for good restaurants and tranquility. There's no specific niche you can't appeal to from this destination, and this is an asset. 

 

How does golfing benefit Gran Canaria?

There are three main reasons. Golf customers spend more each day in this destination than the average tourist, with a difference of nearly €500 per customer per trip. In some segments, they spend 50% more daily. Secondly, they are customers who travel year-round and are especially valuable during the off-peak seasons. Finally, many come and experience Gran Canaria for the first time through golf, and a very high percentage of them return, either with their families or on other vacations. This has a lasting effect on the island's economy. 

 

What is IAGTO's involvement with sustainability values?

It's a maxim. In fact, we have drafted the fundamental principles on this matter for the sector. First, we believe it's viable to invest in a new course when the others in the area have exceeded 75% of their capacity in recent years. This is happening in Gran Canaria, and in the press conference I said it would justify the presence of two new courses. But this isn't so simple. Let me explain. We advocate that the construction of a course should not be completed in less than three years and with a project that is solid, sustainable, and substantially supported by society. These are principles I drafted myself 13 years ago, as my professional background is in the field of sustainability and ecology. In 2012, we partnered with the Golf Environment Association, the world's leading organization in this field, and developed three guidelines that must be taken into consideration when considering a new facility. The first is that it must be profitable in the long term. You must be 2000% confident, because if people don't come, it makes no sense. Secondly, a non-sustainable course hasn't been built or planned since XNUMX. They must have a strong sustainable project. What is done in many places now is to design them with the idea that they must be part of the area's environmental project and protect spaces from natural hazards, such as desertification or flooding. Many are used as intermediate protection zones alongside protected nature areas and have positive effects. And finally, it's essential to have the support of the local population. It's essential that they benefit from the facility, whether professionally or as users. Residents are an important part of the project and must also benefit from and enjoy the activity it offers. This ensures that it remains sustainable.