European Tour CEO Guy Kinnings and Championship Business Director Mark Casey are keynote speakers at the 2025 European Tourism Destinations Annual Meeting.
Representatives of the network’s world-class venues are gathered in the Netherlands, the exclusive private member club in the Netherlands, learning and connecting with industry leaders and their peers.
Kinnings is related to the topic of how clubs and destinations use data and technology to enhance customer experience, and Kinnings shares insights into European travel groups’ strategies to maximize fan engagement.
“We are constantly working to lead the sport by using new technologies and data to guide our strategies and provide fans with the best experiences in our tournament and far away,” Kinnings said.
“We are proud of this, recognized by Sports Technology Group’s list of powers, and we made our debut in the top ten for 2024, and we welcome the opportunity to share insights and knowledge of this week with the European Network of Tourism Destinations, many of whom held the competition in our three tournaments.”
Casey then shared the DP World Tour’s new tournament business model, which aims to maximize business opportunities and optimize delivery of each tournament on a timeline.
Delegates at DP World’s Senior Vice President Sales and Customer Management Hans van der Eijk heard about innovations about golf, including using AI for dynamic green fee pricing, and Dutch entrepreneur Robert Odijk, who demonstrated how the Smart CRM implementation drives revenue and efficiency.
There was also thought-provoking speech from Amelia Lewis, who ranked first. Floris Woutersmarketing and communications manager in the Netherlands, and Phil HullsbyThe Managing Director of the Netherlands gave the delegates a tour of the unique facilities and explained its Scottish roots.
The panel by Eugene Hennessey, Managing Director of European Golf Design, DP World Tour Agriculture and Dutch Golf Course Principal Paul O'Donoghue discussed technological advancements in agricultural craftsmanship, water management, and the impact of design and technology on the sustainability of golf courses.
David Ashington, general manager of Costa Navarino, a golf resort at the Continental Golf Resort, said: “It's a super venue and the speakers are excellent. Listening to DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings, plans involving the Tour and Ryder Cup are great, and we've covered a range of other topics about data and technology. It's always a great network opportunity, too.”
Ian Knox, head of European tourist destinations, added: “It is valuable to hear from Guy Kinnings and Mark Casey, and it is valuable to have our venues engaged with the European Tour Group’s leaders. All speakers shared valuable insights and knowledge on related topics within two days, and attendees can return to their venues and actively influence their strategies and operations.
“One of the best things about European Tour destinations is the strength of our network, the opportunity to be an expert in these industries – and the best practices to share with other professionals – is very important.”
Watch the highlights of the 2025 European Tour Annual Conference here
