As cost-conscious Britons seek ever greater value in their leisure breaks, operators in the hospitality sector are looking to boost their business in many innovative ways.

In the past, many hotels have focused on female friendly benefits, utilising such facilities are extravagant spas, swimming pools and beauty therapy for the leisure sector, but a select few have already looked to capitalise on the business traveller.

Although many businesses have cut back on corporate hospitality, certain sector workers will always need to stay away from their home base. Sales people, manual workers and transport professionals will always require hotel accommodation and the lure of a high quality sporting facility may persuade them to stay where they can have fun, practice their sport, and enjoy their free evening doing something worthwhile.

Some top end leisure developments have installed high profile activities such as climbing and surfing to ensure a point of difference, but for the average mid-market hotel operator, a high quality golfing facility may be the perfect solution – a draw for business travellers without costing too much.

Hotels such as Chewton Glen in Hampshire and Dar Ambre in Marrakesh have all benefitted from the installation of golfing facilities such as all weather tees and outdoor putting greens.

Paul Chester, Sales Manager from Huxley Golf, says: “There are approximately four million adults in the UK who take part in golfing activities every year, for both fun and serious play. Many visitors will welcome a golfing feature at their hotel for filling up their leisure time and it can be a lot of fun for all age groups too.”

“Outdoor and indoor golfing features can both be fantastic assets to a hotel of any size. A room as small as 30ft x 20ft can easily accommodate a reasonable size putting green and a couple of practice nets. If there is space outside, a well lit outdoor putting green, practice area or an entire 18 hole pitch and putt course are all options that will really add value to a hotel. Depending upon your space, there are endless options and it is worth talking to an expert to see how a professional solution can be integrated into a current business.”

Christopher Strong, General Manager of Donnington Grove Golf and Country Club says: “Since we opened the new indoor academy that was fitted out by Huxley Golf we have created a new opportunity for selling hotel rooms and increasing food and beverage services to golfers on tuition breaks and members wishing to practise after dark.”

When looking to install golfing products into a hotel, operators should consider the supplier’s credentials. By specifying a product which is used by professional associations and golf clubs around the world, hotels will be able to ensure a top-quality feature that will give them marketing collateral and a guaranteed level of service. It’s also important to choose a supplier who can create a bespoke golfing feature that complements existing facilities as well as being able to fit in with the space presently available. Specifiers should also look at solutions, which will require minimal maintenance by using high quality installed products.

As more consumers start to book leisure breaks again after the recession, the addition of a high quality golfing facility will also help to raise revenues and provide an excellent point of difference for those families looking for a holiday everyone can enjoy. Operators may even wish to link up with local golf clubs or training professionals to extend their offering further, and create special golf breaks around their new facility.

The addition of a sporting facility can do more than just provide an extra activity. It can ensure a real of point of difference for a hotel and be a deciding factor for those booking for business or leisure.

For further information on how golfing facilities can assist your hotel operation, please contact Paul Chester at Huxley Golf on 01962 733 222 or visit www.huxleygolf.co.uk.