The 6th annual GTE Convention proved to be our most successful yet, with Matfen Hall providing a spectacular backdrop that perfectly embodied the excellence of UK golf tourism. Set within 300 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside, this five-star venue created the ideal environment for 20 tour operators from around the globe and 20 distinguished suppliers to forge meaningful connections and drive business forward.
Setting New Standards
The convention opened with an inspiring seminar featuring Destination North East England, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery, and James Edwards, who painted a compelling picture of how golf at Matfen Hall is evolving into something truly exceptional. The championship course, renowned for its strategic design, provided the perfect stage for our delegates to experience world-class golf while conducting business.
The highlight of our social calendar was the sumptuous barbecue dinner sponsored by Discover South Carolina. This delightful evening perfectly captured the warmth and hospitality of the Sunshine State, providing an atmospheric setting for delegates to relax and strengthen relationships.
The speed dating sessions were particularly vibrant this year, with genuine business opportunities emerging from every corner of the room. The intimate scale of our convention continues to prove its worth, enabling focused, productive conversations that larger events simply cannot facilitate.
Regional Spotlight: North East England
For the first time, the 2025 Convention became a powerful platform for regional promotion, with Destination North East England and Tees Valley Combined Authority seizing the opportunity to showcase not only the exceptional golf offerings in their regions but the full spectrum of attractions available to visiting golfers. This deep dive into the host region proved overwhelmingly popular with delegates, who appreciated the focused insights into what makes North East England such a compelling golf destination.
The regional partnership approach demonstrated how conventions can serve dual purposes: facilitating business connections while spotlighting the unique character and opportunities of specific golf regions across England.
Loyal Partners: Discover South Carolina
Our heartfelt gratitude goes once again to Discover South Carolina, who have been steadfast supporters since our inception. Their continued sponsorship reflects a genuine commitment to promoting golf tourism connections between England and the United States.
South Carolina remains one of our most recommended long-haul destinations, offering golfers an unparalleled combination of world-class courses and Southern hospitality. From the iconic Ocean Course at Kiawah Island to the legendary Harbour Town Golf Links, South Carolina’s coastal golf experiences represent the pinnacle of American golf tourism. These flagship courses are merely the beginning of what this diverse state offers to adventurous golfers.
Expanding Horizons: Morocco
A particularly exciting addition to this year’s convention was the participation of Visit Morocco, who introduced tour operators to the country’s impressive portfolio of 45 golf courses. Located just a couple of hours south of Europe, Morocco offers year-round golf with winter temperatures that provide the perfect escape from British weather.
Morocco finds itself at a particularly exciting juncture. As co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with strong prospects of staging the final in a spectacular new 110,000-capacity stadium near Casablanca, the country is experiencing unprecedented development and international attention. The new high-speed railway connecting major cities exemplifies Morocco’s emergence as a modern, vibrant destination.
For golf tourism, Morocco presents exceptional value with top-quality courses set against dramatic landscapes. The country’s commitment to attracting more golfers, combined with its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, positions it as an increasingly attractive option for European golf tourists seeking something different.
Distinctive Partnerships
Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery brought a unique local flavour to proceedings, showcasing how regional producers can enhance the golf tourism experience through distinctive partnerships that celebrate local heritage and craftsmanship.
DFDS made history as the first ferry company to attend our convention, and their enthusiasm was infectious. Their representative was genuinely surprised by the volume of golfers already using their services from Holland and France, recognising significant untapped potential in the golf tourism market. This partnership opens exciting possibilities for seamless European golf travel.
Fresh Faces, New Opportunities
We were delighted to welcome The Golf Travel People and Golfing Days as new participants, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to our established community. Their presence reflects the dynamic nature of the golf tourism industry and the continuing appeal of our convention format.
Looking Forward
The 2025 GTE Convention has set an exceptionally high bar for future events. The combination of Matfen Hall’s outstanding facilities, the focused regional promotion approach, and the genuine business outcomes achieved by delegates demonstrates why our intimate, high-quality format continues to be the preferred choice for serious golf tourism professionals.
As we look toward 2026, we carry forward the lessons learned and relationships forged at Matfen Hall, confident that we have created not just a successful event, but a template for how golf tourism conventions can deliver real value to all participants.
