Destination North East England has joined Golf Tourism England as host sponsor for their annual convention, which this year was held at Matfen Hall Hotel.
In its 6th year the convention invites Golf holiday tour operators and travel agents from across the UK and globally to meet with suppliers and businesses in the region and further afield to establish relationships and develop future business opportunities.
The UK Golf tourism market is set to grown significantly with research showing an increase in revenue from *USD 6.6bn in 2025 to USD 6.9bn by 2035.
Golf Tourism England chose to bring the major event to the North East to allow tour operators a chance to explore our “undiscovered golf region” and to see for themselves what is on offer.
The four-day event, held this week, attracted almost 40 delegates, tour operators and suppliers who took part in a FAM trip of the region, visiting top golf courses, golfing resorts and visitor attractions including:
- The Northumberland Golf Club, Gosforth
- Ad Gefrin
- Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club
- The Alnwick Garden and Alnwick Castle
- Matfen Hall Hotel
A speed-dating-style networking event was also held with Destination North East England’s Travel Trade Manager, Alex MacKenzie, showcasing why travelling groups should add the region to their wishlist.
Commenting on the exciting opportunty to welcome the golfing community to the region, Alex MacKenzie said:
"The North East has a wealth of golf heritage with several historic and notable courses, including England’s fourth oldest golf course at Alnmouth. Add to this world-class championship courses and some of the most challenging links courses in the UK and you have a region that knows a thing or two about golf.
“With demand for golf trips both domestically and internationally at an all-time high, the North East is well placed to cater for this demand. Our location, on the doorstep of Scotland, the Home of Golf, means groups looking for excellent facilities whilst still being affordable will find what they need here.
“It has been fantastic working with Golf Tourism England to bring their convention to Matfen Hall, one of our biggest golfing assets, and the connections we have made at the event will allow us to grow in this market.”
Andrew Cooke, CEO Golf Tourism England said:
“We're absolutely thrilled to have been able to bring the 6th GTE Convention to the magnificent five-star Matfen Hall and the remarkable North East region. This area boasts some of Britain's finest golf destinations – from historic links courses steeped in tradition to championship parkland resorts that deliver world-class accommodation and hospitality.
“Our delegates have experience firsthand the genuine warmth and professionalism of the local people, whose passion and pride for their region is truly infectious. This convention has showcased exactly why the North East deserves its place among Britain's premier golfing destinations.”
Travel Trade
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