June 29, 2015, New York, N.Y. – Golf Vacation Insider, the Internet’s leading source of independent golf travel advice, recently conducted an online survey of its 350,000 active subscribers to find out more about how golf travelers decide where to go.
Results from the survey reveal the buying power and decision-making process of the 350,000 golf travelers who read Golf Vacation Insider.
Specifically, the survey found:
Only 29% of golf travelers begin their planning with a pre-set idea of where they want to go
44% of golf travelers make their arrangements 1-3 months in advance. This was the single largest segment, followed by 32% who arrange 4-6 months in advance
64% make their golf travel arrangements/reservations directly with resorts, hotels, or golf courses, while only 36% use online or traditional travel agents, tour operators, and packagers
58% indicated that “value” (the combination of price and quality) is the single most important factor in deciding where to go. This was followed by, “playing top-quality golf courses” (22%)
Only 25% described the process of making their golf vacation plans as “easy.” The remaining 75% indicated it, “takes a bit of work,” or, “it takes way too many hours of research, emails, and phone calls.”
Regarding their online research, 56% consult GolfVacationInsider.com for help deciding where to go, followed by 51% for GolfDigest.com and 35% for Golf.com
“These numbers suggest perhaps an even bigger opportunity for golf resort and destination marketers to influence the decision making process,” said Craig Better, editor and publisher of Golf Vacation Insider. “The key, of course, is getting the right message to the right people, at the right time, and we are uniquely positioned as the golf traveler’s trusted advisor.”
The survey also helped profile the 350,000 Golf Vacation Insider audience:
65% have household incomes of $100,000-$500,000+
81% take two or more golf trips each year
82% spend between $500-5,000+ per person on each golf trip
“These findings suggest the collective golf travel purchasing power of our audience and their travel companions is about $6 billion, making it an attractive and efficient vehicle for golf resorts and destination marketers to target this niche,” said Better.
The online survey was taken at the non-affiliated SurveyGizmo website and completed by 2,697 of Golf Vacation Insider’s email subscribers. There was no incentive to participate. The results have statistical confidence level greater than 95% and a margin of error of less than 5%.
Golf Vacation Insider’s email subscribers and blog site visitors get expert, honest and trustworthy advice on where to play, stay and dine worldwide. Readers receive reviews and tips about visiting golf resorts, buying golf packages, general travel tips, and recommendations on golf/travel-related gear.
For more information, visit www.golfvacationinsider.com.
About Golf Vacation Insider
Founded in 2006, Golf Vacation Insider is the Internet’s leading source of independent golf travel advice on where to play, stay, and dine worldwide. With more than 350,000 subscribers receiving its email alerts, GVI has grown to become the largest and most engaged audience in golf travel. Readers receive reviews and alerts about golf packages, golf courses and golf resorts, plus access to dozens of guides to golf destinations and exclusive offers.
Contact:
Tracy Nackel, TEN Marketing & PR, tnackel@cox.net, 760-420-1602