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You want to sell your golfing vacations packages to European golfers? Here is the clue to reach the French.
A handful tour operators
specializing in golfing vacations
They are a few dozens in the country and approaching them and following up at least a couple of times a year should be no big deal.
They sell packages which include transportation, accommodation, green-fees and spouse program mainly to sunny areas. Packages are usually high scale.
They either make reservation with golf resorts they have tested, or they have been approached by. They keep in file large number of suppliers as they often custom design golfing vacations for individuals. So, they'd better have your company in file!
Are you in a good position to
sell your golfing stays to French golfers?
You are if :
you are located in a sunny and scenic area
you can provide accommodation in a hotel, preferably cozy, or in a resort
your golf course has some reputation and the maintenance is good
you operate a bar, a restaurant, a practice
your welcome service is friendly
What is the market like?
Golfing is largely widespread in France as this country is number 6 worldwide for the number of golfers. Registered golfers have more than doubled during the past 10 years : they were 121 382 in 1987 and 261 508 in 1997. A few French tour operators and non profit organizations sell golfing vacations, especially in the U.S.
Who are French golfers?
Golfing is especially enjoyed by men : they represent 2/3 of registered golfers.
The age group is quite large : most golfers, both men and women are 26 to 55 years old.
More than 50% of registered golfers are executives or self employed and have a high income. Retirees represent 12% of registered golfers.
They learn golfing with private classes (50% of registered golfers), thanks to intensive stays (34%) or collective classes (21%).
71% play golf year round.
French golfers feel concerned about their health and well-being. Golfing for them means outdoors, need for sport, meeting friends...
Quite a few of them are interested in what is going on in the anglo saxon golfing world. As a matter of fact, they read on a regular basis the anglo saxon golfing press.
4 different kinds of French
golfers
The beginner : he is just starting and is not 100% motivated yet. To keep him coming on the green, you'll need to propose alternate outdoor activities such as swimming or tennis.
The freedom fan : he is 34 to 45 years old. He likes to switch from green to green. He pays great attention to the welcome service in a golf court and goes at least once a year on a golfing vacation in some sunny area. He goes for intensive stays.
The health fan : he is usually over 50. He is into golfing for relaxation (outdoors, friends, welcome service). When he goes on golfing vacations, he looks for the practice, the classes, the bar and restaurant. He is ready to travel abroad.
The sport fan : he is highly motivated. He is mainly after sport. He is highly rated. He regularly attends to classes and often comptes. He pays great attention to services such as classes, practice, proshop... as well as to the restaurant, bar, games, swimming pool...) He especially enjoys golfing vacations abroad : 49% of this category go for 1 or 2 trips a year. 15% go 2 to 4 times a year.
The last 3 categories of golfers represent 206591 registered golfers, which means that nearly all French golfers are ready to go on golfing vacations abroad.
What do French golfers expect
from their golfing vacations?
Golfing vacations are very popular among French golfers. 45%, i.e 114 679 golfers go for 1 to 2 trips a year. Half of them leave for 7 to 14 days.
Destinations : the countries they enjoy most are Spain and the U.S.A. They select their destination according to :
weather and scenery (42%)
fame of the golf courses (35%)
cost (22%)
Budget : French golfers spend a fair part of their budget on golfing vacations. Families average FFR 12 987 per stay and individuals usually spend FFR 6 675.
They rarely travel on their own. They like to spend their vacation with their spouse (28%), friends (24%) and family (14%).
Golf courses : the French pay great attention to the scenery and location close to their home as well as to the cost (29%), the maintenance (22%), the reputation (16%), the green itself (11%).
Half the French golfers prize a good welcome service. They also enjoy a restaurant, a bar and a practice. 35% believe these services are a must. They also like to find a dressing room (25%), a pro shop plus accommodation, cart room, classes and swimming pool (20%).
Most successful programs : include intensive golfing, either through friendly games on several greens or through intensive classes. Friendly games are appreciated more than than competition. 94% of French golfers go for friendly games.
Accommodation : hotels are number one choice (70%). 17% like resorts better and 16% stay with friends. At last come second homes and vacation rentals. French golfers go for accommodation located directly on the golf course. Cozy hotels are requested more and more rather than standard hotels.
source for above information : French Federation of Golfing
Also see our page : tips to break into the French market.
Many thanks to Sophie Cortez and Amandine Cluzel for their contribution to this page.
