Hosting approximately 130 thousand golfers a year, Turkey has become one of the attraction centers of golf tourism in the world.
Cahit Şahin, Turkey Representative of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that Turkey has made significant progress in golf tourism every year.
Stating that Turkey is on the route of golf enthusiasts from many countries like Europe, Asia and the Americas, Şahin stated that Belek Tourism Center, which has 17 golf courses out of 22 throughout the country, is in service for 12 months.
Stating that the 2022-2023 season started well in golf tourism, but there was a bit of stagnation due to the earthquake, Şahin said, "In 2019, which was the best year, our golfer guests played around 600 thousand games, we are targeting 700 thousand for the 2022-2023 season, and this year diversity has also increased. "Today, we can see players from Malaysia, Korea, China, Vietnam and South Africa in Antalya Belek, the golf capital of Europe. We proudly say that, we have become an indispensable region in golf."
Spain makes $5 billion a year from golf alone
Emphasizing that golf has an important potential in Antalya tourism, Şahin noted that the climate, courses and the location of the city are ideal for golf.
He said that professional players come to Antalya for training and camp activities, and each athlete also promotes the country.
Pointing out that the tourist who comes to the city for golf leaves more income than a regular tourist, Şahin said, "The average income per capita is 1500 Euros. We host approximately 130 thousand guests a year, we host the same guest several times a year. I can talk about an annual income of around 300 million Euros. "Comparing this with rival countries, we are still at the beginning. Spain makes around $5 billion a year from golf alone. They have around 400 golf courses."
Şahin stated that after Turkey, our neighbor country Greece has been trying to diversify tourism by increasing golf courses in recent days.
Stating that Turkey's development in golf has started to be followed by other countries, Şahin said, "Turkey is a shining star in golf. It offers privileges with its natural conditions, climate, geographical conditions and facilities that serve for 12 months. Golf tourism needs to be expanded in terms of the country's economy."
Stating that golf has started to spread within the country, Şahin noted that the number of athletes competing professionally has also increased.
Austria to Antalya for training
Austrian female athlete Emma Spitz said that Antalya has ideal fields and facilities that provide quality service.
Spitz said that when she started golfing, her family found it odd at first, but then they started to support her, adding that she achieved significant success first in children's tournaments and then in the youth category.
Stating that she trained in other areas as she improved herself, Spitz said, "I liked Antalya very much. I want to achieve better ranks in golf. The work I do here will contribute to this."