Golf tourism market seen topping $10 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company projects golf tourism will surpass $10 billion by 2030, powered by luxury resort demand, rising disposable income and a growing calendar of tournaments. North America and the U.S. are expected to lead the market, while the segment remains highly fragmented among specialist travel operators.

Why it matters: - Golf tourism is becoming a more visible slice of the travel market as travelers spend on premium trips that combine sport, wellness and luxury hospitality. - The segment is forecast to exceed $10 billion by 2030, while still making up only about 0.04% of the broader services market. - Demand growth matters for resorts, tour operators, destination marketers and hospitality brands competing for high-spending travelers.

What happened: - The Business Research Company said its Golf Tourism Global Market Report 2026 projects the golf tourism market will reach about $9.8 billion by 2030. - The forecast implies a 9% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030. - The report was published in London on Oct. 13, 2026. - The report says North America will be the largest regional market in 2030 at $3.7 billion. - The report says the U.S. will be the largest single-country market in 2030 at $3.3 billion.

The details: - Domestic travel is expected to dominate the market, with a 62% share by 2030, or about $6 billion. - The report breaks the market into domestic and international travel, personal and professional tours, direct and distribution sales channels, and male and female travelers. - Golf vacations are being fueled by rising disposable incomes, a growing middle class and resort offerings that bundle golf with spa and family amenities. - Luxury golf resorts and integrated tourism infrastructure are expanding through public and private investment, better transportation and packaged travel offerings. - International and amateur tournaments, corporate golf events and destination marketing are drawing players, spectators, sponsors and media to host regions. - North America’s growth is linked to demand for upscale leisure travel, destination golf resorts and golf vacation packages that combine sport, wellness and recreation. - U.S. growth is tied to famous courses, championship venues, domestic and international golf travel and higher spending on golf-centered vacations.

Between the lines: - The market remains fragmented, which gives specialist operators room to win business without heavy concentration at the top. - The top 10 companies accounted for only 1% of revenue in 2025, underscoring how dispersed the industry is. - Carr Golf Travel Limited held the largest share at 0.3% of global sales in 2025. - The competitive edge in this market appears to come from partnerships with premium courses and resorts, personalized planning, destination expertise and digital booking tools. - Play Hawaiʻi Golf launched a joint campaign in July 2026 with 12 Hawaiʻi golf resorts and the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau, showing how destination branding is becoming a growth tactic. - That campaign uses digital marketing, influencer collaborations and broadcast promotion to raise Hawaiʻi’s profile with international golfers.

What's next: - The report expects domestic golf tourism to add about $2 billion in market value between 2025 and 2030. - International golf travel is projected to add about $1 billion over the same period. - Future growth is expected to come from customized golf packages, luxury hospitality, digital booking platforms and stronger destination marketing. - Market participants are also leaning on wellness packages, international partnerships and sustainability initiatives to appeal to premium and eco-conscious travelers.

The bottom line: - Golf tourism is still a niche, but premium travel trends, tournament-driven demand and destination marketing are pushing it toward faster growth and a bigger role in leisure travel.