Golf tourism may help to drive economic recovery in Scotland

GOLF tourism could generate £300 million for the Scottish economy by the end of the decade, according to a new study.

A potential 30% growth in the value of Scotland’s homegrown sport emerged from research looking at the potential growth and economic impact of the market in Scotland over the next 10 years.

The study, An Assessment of Golf Tourism’s Future Growth Potential to 2020, was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise with support from Visit Scotland and Golf Tourism Scotland.

It found that despite the recession and continuing economic challenges, the golf tourism market has remained relatively resilient, with nearly 80% of respondents to its survey expecting to see positive growth over the next decade.

Director of tourism at Scottish Enterprise Eddie Brogan said: “Golf tourism offers huge possibilities for the Scottish economy and this study gives businesses real ideas of how to maximise this potential.

“But to achieve the predicted growth rate of nearly 30%, public and private sectors need to work closely together to identify and take advantage of the opportunities available. Many other countries are developing golf tourism with the aim of raising their market share, and despite Scotland’s accolade as the home of golf we need to work hard to secure this position in the global marketplace.”

The study says that, in the next 10 years, the largest growth in visitor numbers is expected to come from Germany, France and Holland, as well as emerging markets such as India and China, while the more mature markets of North America and Scandanavia are expected to see slightly weaker growth. The UK, however, will continue to be the largest market for golf in Scotland.

Tourism Minister Jim Mather said: “Scotland is the home of golf, boasting more than 500 courses – from world-renowned championship links to hidden gems dotted across breathtaking landscapes – and providing a unique selling point that attracts thousands of visitors every year from across the globe.

“As this research identifies, golf tourism is a rich asset, making a valuable contribution to Scotland’s economy and carrying huge potential for future growth. It makes strong economic sense for Scottish tourism to work hard to boost global interest in our links to the sport.”

Source : Herald Scotland

Highlands and Islands MSP backs Scottish Tourism Week.

Jamie McGrigor MSP has given his backing to this year’s Scottish Tourism Week which takes place 28 February – 4 March 2011.

Jamie commented:

“For the Highlands and Islands tourism is our biggest industry and it’s not surprising because the Highlands and Islands will always sell itself in terms of beauty. I think the main thing that this Scottish Government has to do is to make sure that the roads infrastructure is improved, something I continually campaign on. Apart from that, I think that the marine tourism and more yachting tourism has an enormous part to play in the expansion of tourism especially in areas like Oban and the Western Isles and on the Western seaboard. And I think that the food side also is something that Scotland can be very proud of”.

Source: Lewis News, Stornoway News