Golf Business News – UK Golf Travel: “It’s time to get out of Scotland’s shadow in northeast England”
Golf Tourism England, a national member agency representing the economy of golf tourists in England, is supporting the northeast of England and taking a larger share of the UK’s inbound golf tourism market.
CEO Andrew Cooke spoke at the 6th Annual Golf Tours UK Conference held at Matfen Hall Country Hotel in Northumberland from July 25-27, and delivered a speech at the Golf Manor in Northumberland, Spas and Golf Manors, providing support from international and domestic golf tour operators to golf venues and accommodation providers in the area.
“The golf tourism industry is seeking reliable and affordable alternatives for visitors who want to play the best golf courses in the UK and Ireland. Now, the prices of domestic golfers are raised due to rising green fees in overseas markets, mainly in the demand in the US market, and now England can move forward and compete more actively with Scotland and Wales, competing for Scotland and Wales.
“In Northeast England, you can take three GB&I top 100 link courses, stay at a five-star golf resort and sports estate, experience the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Durham, and explore two UN World Heritage sites. It’s time to take Northeast England out of the shadow of Scotland,” Cook said.
The UK golf tourism market is expected to continue to grow, and research shows that the economic value of inbound golf tourism will exceed £5.2 billion by 2035.
The convention’s Representatives are specialized in travel books for the UK and international markets, including representatives from Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands and the United States, as well as regional hotel business, golf venues and tourist attractions.
A group of selected tour operators spent a few days in Northumberland County before the convention, visiting the Alnwick Castle & Garden tours at the Northumberland GC, Dunstanburg Castle GC, Goswick Links, and visiting at Alnwick’s newly opened Bailiffgate Hotel.
“I have a great impression of Northumberland. It’s a beautiful area with some fun golf courses,” said Andrew Hastie, owner and managing director of Real Golf, a golf tour agency that serves the Netherlands Market.
“There are some great golf trips from Goswick to Bamburgh, to the entire Northumberland Coastline at Alnmouth and Foxton Hall to form a game, and it’s great to welcome an honor from our 128-year-old Golf Undland Links Expers Inverland Links flexes of 128.”
The GTE Conference is sponsored by Discover South Carolina, Destination East England, visit Tees Valley and visit Morocco.
Alex Mackenzie, travel trade manager for destinations northeast England, said: “With the demand for golf has an all-time high nationally and internationally, the Northeast is well suited to meet this demand. Our location, in Scotland, in Scotland, in Golf’s home, means looking for great facilities here, but the price can still find what they need.
“It was great to work with the England golf tourism industry to bring their conventions to Matfen Hall, one of our largest golf assets, and the connections we have made at the event will allow us to grow in this market.”
For more details on golf tours in England, visit golftourismengengland.com
