According to GTE founder and CEO Andrew Cooke, “Attending the world’s largest gathering of golf travel officials from 65 countries around the world is crucial to GTE’s strategy of promoting the nation on an international stage.”

To this end, a first-ever England Pavilion, supported by VisitEngland, was established within the Villa Erba exhibition venue to provide increased exposure and maximum impact for the English golf properties exhibiting under the GTE umbrella.

“IGTM is an important opportunity to engage with tour operators from across the globe, establishing relationships and opening up travel routes for international golfers who may not be fully aware of golfing diversity on offer here in England,” said Cooke.

“We possess an abundance of truly magnificent golf courses rich in both history and tradition. This variety, combined with a plethora of cultural attractions, natural landscape, easy accessibility and communications make this the complete golf tourism destination.

“Our co-ordinated approach, evident with the establishment of the IGTM’s first England Pavilion, brings our members together under one umbrella and collectively presents England as a more attractive business proposition, thus encouraging the creation of new inbound travel routes.”

As the national tourist board, VisitEngland has pledged its support to GTE and was represented at IGTM by their Chief Executive, James Berresford, who took part in a Destination Briefing to highlight England’s significant golf tourism potential.

“The development of sports tourism in England is high on our agenda and golf represents a great opportunity as we have such great golfing venues around the country.

“As the home to over 1,900 courses – with many of those ranking among the finest in the world – six Open Championship venues past and present, host to The Ryder Cup 14 times over nine different courses and birthplace to some of the world’s most celebrated golfers, England has an exceptional standing in this great game,” said Mr Berresford.

Since inception in March 2014, GTE and has already welcomed more than 50 members from across the country who are all looking to benefit from a cohesive and co-ordinated strategy to drive golf tourism in one of the world’s finest and diverse golf markets.

ENDS

For further information on Golf Tourism England, to become a member or to interview Andrew Cooke, please contact Helen Heady, Heady PR on behalf of Golf Tourism England, on T:+44 (0)20 8789 0900, M:+44 (0)7966 491 509 or E: [email protected]