Airlines score a bogey with golf tourists
The tale that golf originated from the acronym ‘gentleman allowed, ladies forbidden’, may be untrue, but for British golfers abroad the game could soon become a case of ‘gentlemen allowed, clubs forbidden”
Over a quarter of the UK’s 1.6 million regular golfers take an annual golf holiday, providing the largest golf travel market in Europe. But many are being put off trips abroad by the expensive additional luggage fees charged for flying with their clubs.
A survey of over 2,400 golfers by Reed Travel Exhibitions found that 80% of prospective golf travellers said additional luggage charges had an impact on whether they took a golf break abroad or stayed in the UK, with 52% saying the charges had a ‘big impact’ on this decision.
Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, said, "Airlines charging golfers to transport their clubs is becoming a serious issue for the golf industry. This is further amplified by the current economic climate, as people are looking for better value breaks, without additional charges acting as a deterrent.
"When you consider the UK is the largest golf market in Europe and that one in two are deciding to opt out of travelling abroad for their golf breaks the numbers are compelling.
"With golfers spending on average 20% more than other travellers, it is important airlines do not alienate themselves. Additional charges significantly impact the golf travel market and may affect the growth of international golf tourism going forwards."
