November 7, 2019 – Croatia is home to the 2018 World Cup runner up team captained by the ageless Luka Modric. Hoisting the banner through their miraculous 2018 run was only one of many opportunities for free publicity. Shows like Game of Thrones recognized the natural countryside beauty and feature the rolling hills of Croatia. In 2013, Croatia had put a plan in place to build 30 golf courses by 2020. This is an attempt to bring Croatia back into the global golf market.
Tourism on the Rise
With deliberate enhancements focusing on boosting Croatia’s tourism have worked, growing the total from 2013 tourism numbers from 9.7 million to 11.1, an increase of 14.4%. International phenomenons like Game of Thrones and the World Cup final run have put Croatia on notice for increases in tourism.
Croatia is more known for its beaches, exotic ports on the Mediterranean, deliciously diverse culinary experience. PLans to grow the Croatian golf infrastructure have been underway and are making the area closer to a full-service getaway. The other accommodations rival some of the best the world has to offer. The question Croatia’s golf superintendents, financiers, and managers will have to ask:
Will they Come to Golf?
Croatia is nestled only a few hundred miles east of northern Italy. This geographic location presents favorable year-round temperatures with winter lows hovering around the fifties and summer temperatures reaching the eighties, the climate is perfect for year-round golf. Many golfers in the summer are looking to escape the brutal summer temperatures of the more southern parts of Europe.
Additionally, since Croatia is still a growing tourism destination, golf courses won’t be as crowded for many golfers looking for a mild weather experience. In addition to new golf courses being built every year, Croatia has a unique blend of beaches, mountains, and rolling rural hills.
The pristine landscape is only matched by world-class accommodations. Golfers can go from course to adventure in a matter of minutes. An experience can be customized to match the desires and needs of the group. Croatia is easy to travel across quickly, whether backpackers, golf travelers, dog lovers, or perhaps a family vacation. A visitor’s experience can go from golf in the mountains to golfing on the beach in only a few hours. One can even bring a dog or adopt one.
Favorable Exchange Rate
As travelers look for ways to stretch their dollars, they look to leverage exchange rates to their benefit. Currently, the Croatian Kuna has a very favorable exchange rate of 7:1 for the Euro, meaning travelers can get more out of their vacation.
Golfing can be an expensive activity and a favorable exchange rate works to attract tourists to the courses. A combination of the newly designed golf courses, luxurious scenery, high-class accommodations, and the ability to stretch visitor dollars are a recipe for growing the golf tourism market.
Concerns of the EU
As the EU destabilizes with BREXIT looming, tourism could become more complicated for visitors out of the United Kingdom. The potential ripple through Europe could include a retraction of the power of the British Pound and the Euro, these tourists have the most and easiest access to Croatia. A destabilizing of the EU could spell disaster for tourism not only in Croatia but also across the EU.
Western European Reputation
The home of golf resides in the northern United Kingdom in Scotland, there are many American tourists that want to visit courses with tradition and legend like the Old Course at St. Andrews making it hard for other countries to draw the lure of tourism dollars for golf. The allure of new picturesque golf course may appeal to some golfers but many hardcore golf travelers will tend to gravitate towards Western Europe where several European tour events are held.
European Tour Aspirations
Croatia has the accommodations, infrastructure, and emphasis on golf courses makes them a prime new destination to hold a European Tour event. People will travel for high profile events. Consider the tourism numbers for tournaments like the Masters and Open Championship. Will high-quality golfers, people will travel across the world to watch some of the best perfect their craft.
Invest in Golf Instruction
Considering the explosion of Asian golfers onto the international stage, K.J. Choi put South Korea and Asia on the golf map almost overnight with several top finishes, alluring personality, and growing fandom, local audiences tune into golf and head to courses to emulate their international heroes. The golf industry has boomed over the past few years, rebounding from a rough few years after the financial collapse.
Similar to governments investing in their Olympic programs, Croatia can invest in the golf market. Many training resources are available around the world and to the earlier point of fair year-round weather, outdoor training is possible almost 365 days a year. Getting exposure in larger markets is important to bring additional interest and capital to golf tourism. A single individual making it on the tour can be worth millions in tourism and golf marketing dollars.
Croatia shows exceptional promise in growing its tourism and golf market. The natural beauty of the Croatian landscape is enough to lure prospective travels to the shores and mountain peaks of the Croatian countryside. There are some concerns about the marketing challenges and stability of the largest tourism base in the EU facing issues.
Currently, the market conditions are favorable as the Kruna remains a balanced currency and travelers from European and US markets are able to leverage exchange rates to extend their travel itineraries. Since blockbuster media and sports successes have showcased Croatia as an accommodating and capable infrastructure nation, a European Tour or other special event featuring the world’s best golfers to promote the beauty of the Croatian landscape.
The Croatian government and tourism department is working diligently to improve local golf tourism through the enhancement of the current golf infrastructure. An increase in Croatian tourism is a signal of its growing interest in the country as a tourism location. Time, strategic growth, and expansion of the Croatian commerce industry will be the seal on the future of golf in this Eastern European country.
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