The first edition of golf B2B tourism event Elevate Golf has been hailed a resounding success as golf’s leading travel firms and golf destinations connected in Scotland over five days.
Held between October 27-31, the finest golf courses, accommodation providers and international tour operators gathered for appointments, as well as more casual meetings that included rounds of golf at Turnberry, Carnoustie and Dumbarnie, and a drinks receptions. In total, over 3,000 face-to-face business meetings took place across the five days.
Hosted by Sky TV presenter and broadcaster Di Stewart, the invite-only B2B event saw representatives from over 100 golf properties in the UK and Ireland – as well as select venues from continental Europe – converge on St Andrews and the Old Course Hotel to talk with 50 of the world’s biggest tour operators.
Elevate Golf culminated in a gala dinner celebrating global golf tourism on October 31 at the Old Course Hotel. During the evening, Sam Baker, founder and chairman of tour operator Haversham & Baker, received a warm reception as he collected Elevate Golf’s lifetime achievement award, and legendary hotelier Sir Rocco Forte, chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, took part in a special Q&A, with attendees getting to hear his thoughts on various topics in the luxury hospitality sector.
Tom Lovering, founder of Elevate Golf, said: “Elevate Golf is all about connections, and our 2024 event provided a platform for the world’s most esteemed golf tour operators to connect with the finest suppliers to create lasting memories and strong bonds.
“The feedback we have received from all tour operators and suppliers in attendance at the first Elevate Golf event has been phenomenal. We would like to thank all our partners, and everyone involved in making this event the great success it was. We look forward to doing it all over again at Elevate Golf 2025.”
The event is believed to be the first time all Open Championship rota venues have been present at one business-to-business trade event.
Rebecca Brady, golf operations manager at Portmarnock Golf Club, said: “Elevate Golf has been fantastic for us. The event has given us the opportunity to meet with the highest quality of tour operator across two days of extremely beneficial face-to-face meetings.
“Elevate Golf 2024 has allowed us to make new connections, catch up with industry friends and showcase our product to the right buyers at an exciting time for Portmarnock Golf Club. We will most certainly be returning to Elevate Golf in 2025.”
Elevate Golf 2025 will be held from October 26-31 and will begin in Liverpool. The latter half of the event will return to St Andrews and Fairmont St Andrews.
For more information, visit https://elevategolf.net/.