Golf Tourism England
A feature from the IAGTO Directory
2017
Golf Tourism England
Golf Tourism England Showcasing one of the most compelling golf destinations in the world Golf Tourism England (GTE) is the membership body that represents the golf tourism industry in England, committed to the delivery of a first-class golf travel experience across England. Set up in 2014 to promote England as a major golfing destination, it has been awarded one of the first grants from the Discover England Fund, part of Visit England’s government-driven investment to fuel inbound visitor levels. Moortown Golf Club
In its aim to raise the profile of England as a golf destination nationally and internationally, GTE’s initial strategy has involved creating a series of clusters that bring together some of the nations’ finest golf experiences. While recognising all of England’s golf clubs as its focus, to kick off the campaign, GTE has used five key golfing regions to showcase England’s remarkable golf credentials. These include Yorkshire’s Ryder Cup Experience, Kent’s Championship Links, Heathland Classics across London and the South East, England’s Golf Coast in the North West and the South West Atlantic Links.
GTE’s strategy is clear: cumulative attraction will unlock cumulative gains. By encouraging neighbouring clubs to work together and collaborate with local hotels, service providers and other attractions, incoming visitors can enjoy an enhanced, bookable and deliverable itinerary. Ultimately, GTE seeks to create a supply chain in each region that will enable visitors to benefit from a seamless service and thereby enjoy a first-class experience. Meanwhile England will enjoy a fresh new perception and reap new economic rewards with increased footfall across the country’s network of golf, leisure, entertainment and cultural experiences.
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Golf Tourism England
Golf Tourism England has also recognised the importance of developing relationships with tour operators and educating the trade on England’s rich offering. GTE is fuelling fresh thinking and encouraging progress to the benefit of the nation’s golf tourism stakeholders through a series of initiatives, including member workshops in efforts to identify new business practices and the most efficient means to drive the nation’s golf tourism economy. With more golf clubs than the other Home The Belfry Nations combined, and an existing, functional infrastructure, England via GTE is primed to benefit from a centralised golf tourism push. Part of the initial phase of the development will focus on educating consumers, media and the industry stakeholders in England. A nationwide toolkit, comprising England’s premium golf clubs and resorts, will allow international tour operators to access key suppliers and package experiences. The toolkit will also serve to educate stakeholders such as golf courses, hotels and suppliers on the potential value of golf tourism into England, how it needs to be serviced and how it can be connected and promoted. An ongoing aim of GTE’s is to grow its membership with more golf clubs and resorts, thus broadening England’s golf offering and making England’s golf tourism more lucrative.
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Golf Tourism England
The development of GTE’s digital platform will be a major advancement in 2017 and beyond with consumerfriendly functionality, trade connectivity and international promotions increasing the understanding of why England is a golf tourism hotspot. The development includes an updated website that not only showcases England’s golf St Enodoc Golf Club tourism offering but links to key international tour operators, allowing consumers to explore the courses, resorts and surrounding areas, as well as additional cultural and entertainment experiences. An increased social media presence utilising a bank of stunning imagery and video will also encourage engagement with potential golf visitors. GTE will also release a series of videos produced to depict England’s golf offering as well as new digital communication tools, making it an exceptionally exciting time for Golf Tourism England. Home to almost 1,900 golf courses, many of which are widely recognised as some of the finest in the world, England’s golf offering is a strong and immensely viable one, but it is also the quality and breadth of experiences off-course that makes England one of the most compelling golf destinations in the world. Now, thanks to the work of Golf Tourism England, the country is looking forward to making its mark on the international golf tourism map. For more information, visit www.golftourismengland.com Facebook: @EnglandGolfTourism
YouTube: Golf Tourism England
Twitter:
Email:
@GolfTourEngland
acooke@golftourismengland.com
Copy supplied by Golf Tourism England
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Cover Photo: Horseshoe Bay Resor t • www.hsbresor t.com
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