August 19, 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 they make travel decisions and which websites they consult when planning a golf trip.
The following selected findings from the survey provide valuable insight into the decision-making process of the 350,000 avid golf travelers who read Golf Vacation Insider:
When golf travelers know the destination they want to visit, 62% indicated they were “most influenced” by reading articles about it online.
Regarding online reading, 51% of golf travelers use the websites of the specific golf courses/resorts they’re interested in, followed by 48% who use golf or golf travel websites. Only 12% use online travel websites such as Expedia and Orbitz.
Among the golf websites travelers visit for help deciding where to go, 56% consult GolfVacationInsider.com, followed by 51% for GolfDigest.com and 35% for Golf.com.
Regarding time spent on websites (and other sources), 66% of golf travelers spend up to 12 hours doing research before deciding where to go.
Despite golf website usage, only 28% of golf travelers indicated they are most interested in what traditional golf travel writers say about a course or destination. The remaining 72% are more interested in what their fellow golf travelers say.
“These results indicate golf travelers are looking for reliable advice, and the last point helps explain why our audience has grown so fast and remains so engaged, said Craig Better, Editor and Publisher, Golf Vacation Insider. “Because we visit resorts anonymously as “secret shoppers,” we can provide candid advice like readers would get from their trusted family and friends. In a very real way, we ARE their fellow golf travelers. This dynamic provides a unique opportunity for golf resort and destination marketers.”
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
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
