GOLF’S GREATER ROLE IN THE SCOTTISH ECONOMY

The work to develop a strong and sustainable golf tourism sector aimed at playing a greater role in Scotland’s economy will come under the spotlight at a special seminar in Cumbernauld.

The Scottish Golf Tourism Seminar is aimed at communicating what action has been taken since the launch in of the New Strategy for Scottish Golf Tourism in July 2000 by the now First Minister, Henry McLeish MSP, and how it will be progressed.

Over 140 golf operators, clubs and hotels from all over Scotland will take part in the seminar, with a view to sharing ideas on the best way forward for marketing golf, and how the Scottish golf product can be developed through training and development initiatives. Alasdair Morrison MSP, Deputy Minister for Tourism will open the seminar.

Peter Lederer, Scottish Tourist Board Vice-chairman, who will give a keynote speech at the seminar said: "Golf tourism can and does have the potential to impact more significantly in every part of Scotland. While I know there has been a received wisdom that our status as world leader and Open Championship hosts in three years out of five was sufficient to build a sustainable and profitable golf tourism industry, we must acknowledge that much more has to be done to build on the £100 million that golf generates for the Scottish economy."

"We now have one of the best opportunities for many years to re-affirm Scotland as the Home of Golf and be the leading golfing destination in the world. This event is the perfect platform for us all to use the resources and knowledge we have to get behind a strategy that leads to a focussed and joint approach to developing the great asset we have in Scottish golf."

Head of Tourism and Exports at HIE, Bob Kass said: "Identifying and exploiting niche markets will bring huge benefits to the Scottish tourism industry, and clearly golf has a major role to play as a large and easily targeted sector. It is vital to ensure that everyone involved in the industry - from community golf courses and tour operators right up to the Scottish Golf Union - are in regular contact to co-ordinate key approaches including product development and marketing."

Nicky Yule, Tourism Manager at SE added: "In golf terms, Scotland has a unique international competitive advantage. To exploit this advantage, we need to become more customer focused and collaborate across business sectors, to create and deliver joined-up golf experiences that incorporate golf, accommodation, transport, restaurants and pubs, other things to see and do. Experiences that develop closer relationships with customers before, during and after their visit, using e-business where appropriate, and that meet the needs of existing and emerging markets."

Peter Lederer will also present the annual Scottish Incoming Golf Tour Operators Association awards for services to the golf industry at the seminar. Awards will be presented for the best golf course, golf caddy master, golf hotel and golf club secretary. These will take place at 3.45pm.