About Us

We are the recognised body representing Golf Tourism in England, and therefore take a leading role in the development of overall strategy and in influencing specific public/private partnership activities related to the development and marketing of golf tourism.

We develop, coordinate, and implement a range of services and activities that will benefit the golf tourism operations of our members and thus drive forward golf tourism in England.

Objectives:

• Identify and form relationships with all the public and private agencies and bodies that can contribute to the growth of golf tourism in England.
• Form a Steering Committee representing the key areas of Golf Tourism in England.
• Form a membership base of National Bodies, Industry Partners, Travel Partners and Business Partners
• Establish benchmarking statistics and measurement criteria
• Develop a clear vision and strategy for Golf Tourism in England
• Identify and implement opportunities and services that will benefit the golf tourism operations of the membership.
• Develop a high quality website with details of all members.

 

CHARTER FOR GOLF TOURISM ENGLAND (GTE)

1.      Objectives of GTE

Golf Tourism England is a membership body that has been established to represent the golf tourism industry in England. A private company limited by guarantee, GTE’s objectives are to:

Promote England as a major golf destination for and on behalf of its members (“the Members”);

Promote the recognition of GTE by government, public agencies, the media, the international golf tourism industry, other organisations and the general public as the official national association representing the golf tourism industry in England;

Represent the interests of its Members in the formulation and implementation of marketing plans and activities to promote golf tourism in England;

Promote the interests of Members of GTE as recognized providers of golf tourism facilities and services;

Encourage, develop and promote high standards of facility provision and service to golfing visitors by Members of GTE; and lobby government and government agencies to seek additional funds to undertake increased activity and promotion for the benefit of its members.

2.      The Membership Structure

There are different categories of engagement with GTE:

2.1    Members (listed as Members on the website)

Members are those directly involved with the delivery of all or part of a golf tourism package (i.e. a golf course, resort, hotel, etc) in England.

Members receive the full package of benefits available to Members on an annual basis, including the following:

Membership of a national body, recognized internationally, representing the golf tourism industry in England;

Use of the GTE Logo in all the Member’s printed and digital communications as a mark of membership; 

Listing in the Website directory; 

Be linked to any relevant regional tours promoted on the Website; 

Be invited to participate in various promotional events from time to time exclusive to Members; 

Be invited to network with other GTE Members; 

Discounted membership fee to IAGTO, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators; 

Receive regular news updates; 

Attend regional forums across England to share information and provide insight into attracting international golf tourists; 

Host FAM trips for international golf tour operators and media to experience the English golf product; 

Be invited to attend a National Conference for Members exclusively; and 

 Part of a representative body that will lobby government and other public authorities on behalf of the industry.

2.2    Travel Partners (listed on the ‘Members’ page of the website)

This is an Associate Membership category for the golf tour operators.

Associate Members will receive the following benefits:

Membership of a national body, recognized internationally, representing the golf tourism industry in England;

Use of the GTE Logo in all the Member’s printed and digital communications as a mark of membership; 

Listing in the Website directory; 

Be linked to any relevant regional tours promoted on the Website; 

Be invited to participate in various promotional events from time to time exclusive to Members; 

Be invited to network with other GTE Members; 

Discounted membership fee to IAGTO, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators; 

Receive regular news updates; 

Attend regional forums across England to share information and provide insight into attracting international golf tourists; 

Be invited to attend a National Conference for Members exclusively; and 

 Part of a representative body that will lobby government and other public authorities on behalf of the industry.

2.3    Business Partners (listed on the ‘Members’ page on the website)

Business Partners are those third party service providers providing a service to the golf tourism industry, such as marketing companies, publishers, designers, PR companies, etc.

Business Partners will receive the following benefits:

Membership of a national body, recognized internationally, representing the golf tourism industry in England;

Use of the GTE Logo in all the Member’s printed and digital communications as a mark of membership; 

Listing in the Website directory; 

Be linked to any relevant regional tours promoted on the Website; 

Be invited to participate in various promotional events from time to time exclusive to Members; 

Be invited to network with other GTE Members; 

Discounted membership fee to IAGTO, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators; 

Receive regular news updates; 

Attend regional forums across England to share information and provide insight into attracting international golf tourists; 

Be invited to attend a National Conference for Members exclusively; 

Part of a representative body that will lobby government and other public authorities on behalf of the industry; and 

 Communication of services to Members via the Website and other networking platforms.

2.4    International Associate Member

This is a membership category for international golf tour operators only.

International Associate Members will receive the following benefits:

Membership of a national body, recognized internationally, representing the golf tourism industry in England;

Use of the GTE Logo in all the Member’s printed and digital communications as a mark of membership; 

Listing in the Website directory; 

Be linked to any relevant regional tours promoted on the Website; 

Be invited to participate in various promotional events from time to time exclusive to Members; 

Be invited to network with other GTE Members; 

Discounted membership fee to IAGTO, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators; 

Receive regular news updates; 

Attend regional forums across England to share information and provide insight into attracting international golf tourists; 

Host FAM trips for international golf tour operators and media to experience the English golf product; 

Be invited to attend a National Conference for Members exclusively; and 

 Access to information on the golf tourism industry in England.

3.      Applying for Membership

3.1    Any entity can apply for membership by:

         3.1.1  Downloading a membership application form from GTE’s website;

         3.1.2  Completing and submitting the application form; and

         3.1.3  Paying the requisite membership fee as determined by the Board of GTE from time to time.

3.2    Unless otherwise disapproved by the Board, such entity shall   become a Member upon written notification by the Chief Executive.

4.      Obligations of Members

4.1    In additional to agreeing to the Charter, Members shall be required to:

         4.1.1  Recognise GTE as the official exclusive national body representing Golf Tourism in England;

         4.1.2  Pay an annual membership fee to GTE;

         4.1.3  Help promote GTE wherever possible;

         4.1.4  Use the official GTE logo on their communication materials and digital media;

         4.1.5  Provide marketing materials to GTE that helps GTE to pursue its objectives; and

         4.1.6  Support GTE activities, workshops and Conferences, wherever possible.

5.      Obligations of GTE

5.1    GTE shall be required to:

         5.1.1  Act in accordance with its stated objectives in this Charter and its Memorandum and Articles of Association;

         5.1.2  Endeavour to serve the best interests of the Members at all times;

         5.1.3  Seek ways and pursue opportunities to increase visitor income and generate business for the embers.

         5.1.4  To seek guidance and support from relevant steering committees representing Members.

6.      Governance of GTE

6.1    Board

         6.1.1  A Board of directors will be established. The Board will take all key policy decisions relating to the direction and strategy of GTE. The Board of directors shall not carry out any executive duties in respect of the running of GTE.

         6.1.2  The Board will meet at least twice a year, in accordance with the provisions set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

         6.1.3  The Board members in time will represent the following areas of expertise: marketing, corporate governance, finance and tourism.

6.2    Chief Executive

         6.2.1  The Board shall appoint a Chief Executive, who will oversee the running of GTE on a day-to-day basis.

         6.2.2  The Chief Executive shall carry out the executive duties necessary to administer GTE on behalf of the Members.

         6.2.3  The Chief Executive shall also be a director on the Board, but shall report to the entire Board of directors at each meeting and as otherwise required from time to time.

6.3    Annual Conference

6.3.1  The membership body shall meet once a year by way of an annual conference, unless agreed by the Board.

6.3.2  The membership shall discuss and raise issues of policy for deliberation and decision by the Board at the Annual Conference

6.4    Steering Committees

         6.4.1  The Board may appoint steering committees from time to time to assist in providing guidance and recommendations to the Board.

         6.4.2  Steering committees will be formed to represent destinations and tour operators in the first instance.

         6.4.3  Steering committees shall only make recommendations to the Board and will not have delegated authority to take decisions on behalf of GTE.

6.5    Supporting Partners

         6.5.1  GTE will also seek a stable of Supporting Partners to support the aims, objectives and activities of GT, such as England Golf, Visit England and European Tour.

7.      Governing law

7.1    This document shall be governed by English law and any disputes arising in relation thereto shall be referred exclusively to the English courts.

7.2    In the event of a conflict between this Charter and the Memorandum and Articles of Association the latter shall prevail.