Destination Golf - August 2017 * | Page 79

In July 2017, Destination Golf was thrilled to partner with Wonderful Indonesia (the tourism arm of the Ministry of Indonesia) for a fun filled day of golf, food and entertainment. Invited guests from leading golf clubs, trade and media got to experience a competitive game of golf on Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, followed by a gala meal to sample Indonesian cuisine and entertainment. Dignitaries from Indonesia also flew in for the event, which was officially opened by the Minister of Tourism with an opening tee shot. It’s true, Irish golfers traditionally travel to Mediterranean countries for their annual few days of sunshine golf, but a short 10-minute presentation from Wonderful Indonesia had guests opening their mind to a long-haul golfing option. Leading tour operators and press were particularly impressed, with many on the day saying “why don’t we embrace more golf & culture holidays, such as that on offer in Jarkata or Bali.” In April 2016, Garuda Indonesia airline announced a new London to Jakarta non-stop flight from Heathrow, opening up Indonesia as a golf destination to UK & Irish golfers. Using B-777-300 ER aircraft, Garuda serves the route 5 times weekly, flying London-Jakarta direct but on the return flight from Jakarta, the aircraft will transit Singapore before flying direct to Heathrow London. Furthermore, their award winning crew has been voted as The World’s Best Cabin Crew and the airline is among the Volume 3 • Issue 40 79