- March 9, 2024
- Courses,Mini Golf,
- Geoff Bennell
As the hospitality industry in Australia becomes increasingly competitive, businesses are seeking innovative ways to attract and retain customers. An exciting strategy with a proven track record is the addition of mini golf courses.
Mini golf, once considered a simple pastime, has evolved into a multifaceted attraction that can enhance the appeal of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality venues. But why is mini golf a profitable investment for hospitality businesses?
The many benefits of incorporating a mini golf course into your hospitality offering
Enhancing Guest Experience and Satisfaction
In the hospitality sector, the guest experience is paramount. Mini golf courses provide a unique and enjoyable activity that appeals to a wide range of demographics, from families with children to couples and groups of friends. By offering this leisure activity, hospitality businesses can create memorable experiences for their guests, which fosters customer loyalty and repeat visits.
Mini golf is an inclusive activity that requires no prior experience or special skills, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Unlike regular golf, which might intimidate the everyday guest, mini golf is welcoming to all guests. This inclusivity broadens the appeal of your venue, attracting a more diverse clientele. Families in particular are often on the lookout for child-friendly activities, and the presence of a mini golf course can be a significant drawcard.
Boosting Revenue Streams
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in a mini golf course is the potential for increased revenue. Mini golf can be monetised in several ways, providing hospitality businesses with multiple income streams. Here are some of the key financial benefits:
- Entry Fees: Charging an entry fee for the mini golf course is the most direct way to generate revenue. The relatively low cost of playing mini golf compared to other leisure activities makes it an attractive option for guests, ensuring a steady stream of participants. Fees may also be charged for equipment hire.
- Package Deals: Hospitality businesses can offer package deals that include mini golf as part of a broader experience. For example, a hotel could offer a weekend getaway package that includes accommodation, meals, and a round of mini golf. This not only increases the perceived value of the package but also encourages guests to stay longer and spend more.
- Special Events and Tournaments: Hosting mini golf tournaments or themed events can draw in large crowds and generate additional revenue. These events can be marketed to both guests and the local community, creating a buzz around your venue and attracting new customers.
- Food and Beverage Sales: The presence of a mini golf course can boost sales in other areas of your business. Guests are likely to purchase food and beverages before or after a game, especially if you offer a well-placed café or bar near the course. This can significantly increase your overall revenue per guest.
- Merchandise: Branded merchandise, such as golf balls, hats, or t-shirts, can be sold at the mini golf course, providing an additional income stream. These items also serve as souvenirs, helping to promote your business long after guests have left.
Maximising Commercial Space
For hospitality businesses with unused or underutilised outdoor space, a mini golf course is an excellent way to make the most of available land. Rather than allowing a garden or courtyard to sit idle, you can transform it into a vibrant attraction that generates income and enhances the overall guest experience.
Mini golf courses do not require large amounts of space and can be designed to fit into various settings. Whether your venue has a sprawling garden or a compact courtyard, a mini golf course can be tailored to suit the available area. Themed courses can be integrated into the existing landscapes, adding visual appeal and enhancing the ambience of your venue.
Capitalising on the Growing Trend of Experiential Tourism
Experiential tourism, where travellers seek unique and immersive experiences, is a growing trend in the hospitality industry. Guests are increasingly looking for more than just a place to stay; they want activities that engage them and create lasting memories. By offering mini golf, hospitality businesses can tap into this trend and provide an experience that stands out from the competition.
A well-designed mini golf course with a unique theme can become a talking point for your guests and a key selling feature for your venue. Whether it’s a tropical-themed course that complements a beach resort or a vintage-inspired course that matches a heritage hotel, the possibilities for creativity are endless. These distinctive experiences encourage word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews, which are invaluable in attracting new customers.
Low Maintenance and High Durability
One of the advantages of investing in a mini golf course is its relatively low maintenance requirements. Modern mini golf courses are constructed using durable materials such as synthetic turf, which can withstand the harsh Australian climate with no need for fertilisation or mowing. Fake grasses require minimal upkeep, ensuring that your course remains in excellent condition year-round with little effort.
Mini golf courses are designed to be robust and long-lasting, providing a solid return on investment over time. With proper care, a well-built mini golf course can remain a popular attraction for many years, consistently generating revenue with minimal ongoing costs.
Appealing to the Local Community
While the primary focus of hospitality businesses is often on guests, the local community can also be a valuable source of revenue. A mini golf course can attract locals, especially during off-peak times when guest numbers may be lower. By offering discounts or special promotions to locals, you can encourage repeat business and establish your venue as a go-to destination for leisure activities in the area.
Involving the local community in events, such as charity tournaments or school fundraisers, can further strengthen your business’s ties to the area and enhance your reputation as a community-friendly establishment. This local engagement not only boosts revenue but also contributes to positive brand recognition.
Supporting Marketing and Branding Efforts
A mini golf course provides a wealth of marketing opportunities. From social media content to promotional videos, the visually appealing nature of mini golf makes it an excellent tool for enhancing your brand’s image. Guests are likely to share photos and experiences on social media, providing organic promotion for your venue.
Additionally, a mini golf course can be used as a backdrop for themed events, photo shoots, or even corporate functions, further elevating your brand’s profile. By leveraging the unique aspects of your mini golf course, you can create compelling marketing campaigns that attract new customers and keep your venue top-of-mind.
With low maintenance requirements and the potential to generate multiple revenue streams, a mini golf course is a long-term investment that can significantly boost your business’s bottom line. Moreover, its appeal to both guests and the local community ensures a steady flow of customers, making it a valuable asset in today’s competitive hospitality market.
If you’re considering expanding your hospitality business’s offerings, a mini golf course could be the perfect solution.
Contact Mini Golf Creations today to explore how we can help you design and build a mini golf course that not only delights your guests but also drives profitability.
