LEARN MORE OF THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS OF DR GOLF TRAVEL EXCHANGE AT SECRETS CAP CANA STARTING THIS WEEKEND

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The fifth version of the Dominican Republic Golf Travel Exchange 2018 will be held from September 1 to September 6 at the Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa hotel, located in the Cap Cana tourist complex in Punta Cana.

DR Golf has become the only event where international tour operators specialized in the golf niche meet with hoteliers, golf course managers and receptive operators of the Dominican Republic.

In this edition of the DR Golf Travel Exchange, four of the top voices of the golf industry will gift the participating audience  of the top trends and industry action currently in place.  Learn below of each of the speakers of this 2018 DR Golf Travel Exchange.

JASON DEEGAN – The Golf Channel

Jason Scott Deegan has reviewed more than 800 courses and golf destinations for some of the industry’s biggest publications. He is a full-time senior staff writer with GolfAdvisor.com, a popular website owned by The Golf Channel.

Over the years, he has been a regular contributor with Athlon Sports and PGA Magazine. His work has been honored by the Golf Writer’s Association of America and the Michigan Press Association. Deegan lives in San Jose, California, with his wife and two children.

Jason rarely touched a golf club until his college days at Eastern Michigan University, but now his passion for the game knows no out of bounds. He got his start writing about golf in 1999.

Follow him on Twitter at @WorldGolfer and Instagram @jasondeegangolfadvisor

SARAH FORREST – Golf Guru Group

A multi-skilled visionary with a strong project management, event management and finance background has enabled Sarah to use skills in her chosen field of golf; consultancy, media, events, leisure and tourism. A determined lady who achieves and exceeds her goals both personally and professionally whilst maintaining a good sense of humour.

She is creative, approachable and easy to get along with, yet very organised and on top of her game. Skilled at juggling a variety of tasks with a strong ethos on quality business, for Sarah life is never dull, is often demanding and is always rewarding. Specialist at driving more ladies into and also keeping ladies interested in golf benefiting a healthy lifestyle.

Freelance writer for and about ladies golf and golf in general with published pieces in magazines and e-zines, a prolific blogger often with a unique twist.

Currently writing regular features for the popular golf club manager magazine – The Golf Business

http://redteebreaks.blogspot.co.uk/

KAREN MORAGHAN – Hunter Public Relations

President of Hunter Public Relations • Special Events, is a seasoned expert in hospitality and golf-marketing strategy, a long-time producer of national sporting events, and one of the golf industry’s leading media-relations specialists. She works out of HPR’s East Coast office in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Widely known and respected by industry leaders, media, and golf executives, Karen’s media-relations strategies have enhanced profits and visibility for clients and propelled HPR to the forefront of the worlds of hospitality and golf.

Karen has extensive experience in positioning and opening properties, including 12 hotels and 55 golf courses since starting her career in 1981. In the last few years, she has expanded HPR’s capabilities into the wellness categories, launching niche-specific initiatives and a wellness consultancy, WellStyles.

Karen has extensive experience in positioning and opening properties, including 12 hotels and 55 golf courses since starting her career in 1981. In the last few years, she has expanded HPR’s capabilities into the wellness categories, launching niche-specific initiatives and a wellness consultancy, WellStyles.

Prior to forming Hunter Public Relations • Special Events in 1990, Karen was vice president of marketing for Pebble Beach Company, where she spearheaded global marketing campaigns for The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Inn and Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and Del Monte Golf Courses, and scenic 17-Mile Drive. She started her career with Sheraton Hotels in the southwest region public relations office, based in Los Angeles.

Prior to forming Hunter Public Relations • Special Events in 1990, Karen was vice president of marketing for Pebble Beach Company, where she spearheaded global marketing campaigns for The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Inn and Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and Del Monte Golf Courses, and scenic 17-Mile Drive. She started her career with Sheraton Hotels in the southwest region public relations office, based in Los Angeles.

 

EDOUARD DES FONTAINE – Head of Product Worldwide

I am from France originally, however I have lived in many countries since birth such as New Caledonia, Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, USA and England. So even before starting my career, I was a seasoned traveller, speaking 4 languages fluently.

I studied at Fordham University in New York, and played for the golf team there. So my passion for golf and travel has been there since I was 12, almost 30 years.

I arrived in England in 2004, and started at Golfbreaks in 2004, so this year is my 15th year at the company. I started as a sales consultant for the France program, which at the time was the only country outside of the UK & Ireland that Golfbreaks was selling.

In 2006, I was asked to help develop the Iberian product (Spain and Portugal). I became a product manager for Spain, and then also Portugal in 2007 and worked on the product until 2013. After many years on European Product, I then suggested to the board that we develop and increase our Long Haul business. In 2013, we only had the USA and South Africa on board. So in 2014 we added 3 new destinations: Thailand, Mauritius and Caribbean (Dom Rep, Jamaica, Barbados). Since 2017, we have ramped up our Long Haul strategy as a key factor for the growth of Golfbreaks.com. We now sell over 30 destinations worldwide and Golfbreaks now has 3 offices in 3 different countries for the UK, Scandinavia and North American markets.

Our aim now is to improve our relationships with our existing Long Haul suppliers, and form new ones, as well as establish efficient processes that will benefit the long term growth of both Golfbreaks and their partners. It may seem strange but It will be the first time I visit the Dominican Republic, so am looking forward to experiencing what the destination has to offer.

About Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa

Considered as a dream paradise, the Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa is the ideal place to spend a unique and unforgettable vacation.

It is located within the resort of Cap Cana with a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea, facing Juanillo beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, known for its attractive white sand, and only 20 minutes from the International Airport of Punta Cana.

This adults-only property represents the highest level of luxury in the area and a taste of it are its 457 suites finely decorated with sophisticated Caribbean furnishings. Nearby there are two well-known golf courses, designed by the famous golfer Jack Nicklaus; a renowned fishing and hiking area and a beautiful marina.

Another great reference of its quality is its exquisite and varied gourmet cuisine, with seven options of restaurants that include French, Asian, Mexican and Italian cuisine, among others.

In addition, it has six bars with unlimited premium drinks, outdoor pool, water bar, gym, theater, 24-hour room service and a world-class spa.