Although Italy was voted the most popular European destination by readers of the Daily Telegraph Newspaper last year, tourism chiefs are keen to boost visitor numbers further and have decided to concentrate on attracting golfers…
Golf tourism has proved an extremely lucrative sector for many other countries – including Portugal, which relies heavily on its year round golfing appeal.
Now Italy is following in Portugal’s footsteps with the ‘Golf & More’ campaign which aims to promote the sport in the regions of Liguria, Bolzano, Tuscany, Sardinia, Sicily and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Stunning scenery, olive groves, great food, history and culture are usually the things that spring to mind when thinking of Italy. Golf is a fair way (sorry) down the list.
But, this latest campaign aims to put a dent in that mentality and, if forerunner Portugal is anything to go by – its climate makes golf a 12 months a year possibility – golf tourism could prove extremely lucrative.
Italy does have excellent – if not (yet) world-renowned – golf, with courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones, Pete Dye and Robert von Hagge.
Club Roma ‘Acquasanta’ is the oldest, built in 1903, and some of the layouts have dramatic backdrops such as Roman aqueducts and ancient villas.
The Golf & More campaign listed the very best elements of the courses that they are trying to promote – the Friuli Venezia Giulia courses are best suited to small parties whilst the courses at Lignano and Grado are well popular for their challenging golf holes.
The areas all share a strong selection of other tourist amenities and, for those who enjoy the 19th hole most, there is a good selection of bars and restaurants around.
In a massive boost for the new campaign, the Italian Seniors Open Golf Tournament started life in its new home in the picturesque region of Lake Garda last year as part of a new three-year agreement.
Last year’s event took place at Palazzo Arzaga Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. Palazzo Arzaga Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort boasts two of Italy’s finest courses, the Championship Resort Course designed by Jack Nicklaus II and a nine hole inland links designed by Gary Player. It is also the home of the first PGA of Europe Golf Academy in Italy.
Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Seniors Tour, said, “The move to Lake Garda heralds an exciting new future for the Italian Seniors Open in one of the most picturesque regions of Europe.
“The relationship with the Italian Golf Federation and the new support of the Lake Garda Association will ensure the Italian Seniors Open continues to flourish as one of the most popular events on the European Seniors Tour,” added Mr Stubbs.
If you have an investment Italian property, this new stream of tourists expected to flock to the country could well prove a hole in one, netting you a strong rental income year round.
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