What an action packed first quarter of the year we've had so far !

The year 2017 marks the start of our second decennium in operation. We've concluded 10 years since we started and organised 43 events in 16 countries all over the world. During those years EGTMA members have generated millions of Euros worth of media coverage for destinations, hotels, golf courses and partners. There is no denying, the EGTMA is the leading golf travel media association in the world. 

During our 11th year we will and have taken in a few new destinations with Italy, Denmark, Hungary and possibly France and Arizona while other destinations have requested repeat visits which shows us that our media performance is very much appreciated.

In the first three months we have sent delegates to Belek where our long standing partner, the PGAs of Europe held their annual congress and country championship. Our members have always contributed to the debate as to where golf teaching and development can go while promoting the destination to their readers. 

Our second event saw us discover a new destination with Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, Italy. The feedback I received was nothing than positive with a spectacular resort and golf course trying to carve out a place in the hearts and minds of golf lovers world wide. 

Just recently, 16 of us returned from what was a return visit to the region around Porto. With 13 out of 16 members new to the region, we traveled around the historic and mountainous area bordering the Douro valley and down to the sea where we played both old and new golf courses and stayed in both traditional as modern hotels. This is a region that deserves a golfer's attention as it has everything, gastronomy, wine, fabulous hotels and great golf courses. It is a also a 'working' region which is great to see.

Our next event is only 2 weeks away when we play two of the best parkland courses in Ireland on either side of the 'border' ... the EGTMA, Golf Across Borders sees us visit Lough Erne in County Fermanagh (N.Ireland) and Slieve Russell in Co. Cavan (Ireland). 12 EGTMA members are making their way to Dublin Airport and will be immersed in good old Irish hospitality. 

Following that in May, Zala Springs in Hungary and the Scandinavian in Denmark are our next hosts and both resorts have Robert Trent Jones II designed courses, modern clubhouses and an high end membership. Will be great to compare them and also to see how golf is coming on in non traditional golf destinations.

Later this year, we still have the GolfinFlanders International Media Championship and the North & West Coast Links Challenge and we are also in talks with the Cote d'Opale (Hardelot, Le Touquet) for an event and are trying to pull the Scottsdale event over the line.

So, it looks like 2017 will be a record year for the EGTMA with possibly 10 events and our 50th event in total. 

Looking forward to seeing any one of you at one of the events mentioned,

Your President (for life obviously) 

Jo Maes