ABSTRACT
The chapter presents a definition of golf tourism and briefly introduces the history of this niche sport tourism segment. A brief overview of the golf travel industry numbers is given. To understand golf tourism, it is important to look at both the demand and the supply side. This chapter introduces both sides and shows how they come together throughout the golf tourists’ journey from their home to the places they choose for their golf travel and back. This includes a discussion of the various segments of golf travellers and the actors involved in providing the golf tourism experiences around the world. The chapter closes with an outlook on the main trends and developments that are likely to influence the industry going forward. Some conclusions are drawn on how new services will change golf travel and how destinations can better position themselves to benefit from golf tourism.
