Golf Tourism England clubs together England Golf for new partnership

Golf Tourism England (GTE), the recently-formed body tasked with attracting more visitor income for English golf courses from tourism, has announced a new strategic partnership with England Golf.

The tie-up with England Golf – the governing body for all amateur golf in England – is an important landmark for GTE, which is aiming to unite key golf industry stakeholders as it bids to make up lost ground on rival golfing destinations. Boosted by the hosting of the 2014 Ryder Cup, Scotland’s golf courses have been drawing a large number of tourists, while Ireland’s facilities have also built up a solid reputation.

“In recent times, England has been guilty of resting on its laurels, while others around us, particularly our neighbours in Scotland and Ireland, have greatly benefitted on a joined-up approach, which has yielded excellent returns in terms of inbound tourism,” said GTE founder and chief executive Andrew Cooke.

“I believe that this partnership (with England Golf) will allow us to establish stronger working relationships between the many individual bodies which have a stake in English golf tourism at present.”

Since its launch in July 2014, almost 100 golf properties and tour operators have enlisted as GTE members, with further support for the initiative already having been offered by national tourist board Visit England.

Cooke added: “With six Open Championship venues, some of the world’s best examples of links, parkland, heathland and cliff-top golf, as well as vibrant cities and endless miles of beautiful natural countryside, we are confident that a similar approach (to Scotland and Ireland) can establish England as a prominent destination for golfers worldwide.”

The partnership aims to boost revenues for golf clubs, and Golf England says it will work to encourage clubs to join GTE and benefit “from a more harmonised approach to golf tourism.”