Scotland, the home of golf, is heading to Mexico later in the year at the world’s leading golfing travel exhibition.
International Golf Travel Market, which is organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, draws together the buyers and suppliers from the world of golf travel and Scottish representatives will be reinforcing Scotland’s iconic heritage and product offering as the home of golf.
With its roots dating back to 1457, golf has become a major tourism sector across the globe. As home to the game, the economic contribution to Scotland is an estimated £300m spent by the tens of thousands of visitors from America, Japan and Europe. The USA market alone accounts for over £50m to the Scottish economy with an average spend of £1,600 per trip. Golfers spend twice that of other visitors to Scotland and for every £1 spent on a green fee, a further £5 is spent elsewhere in the Scottish economy.
With over 550 golf courses in Scotland and five of the eight Open Championship courses Scotland has one of the world’s best golfing reputations – reflected in Scotland being selected to host the Ryder Cup in 2014 at Gleneagles.
Already lined up for IGTM are Carnoustie Golf Links, Loch Lomond and, the St Andrews Golf Development Group comprising the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews Links Trust, Kingsbarns Golf Links and the Fairmont St Andrews Resort. Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club, Murrayshall House Hotel, and The Carrick will also be taking part in the four-day event.
Catherine Vaughan, marketing manager for IGTM said, “The level and number of Scottish exhibitors clearly highlights Scotland’s commitment to the golf tourism sector. IGTM has always been a valuable sales and marketing exercise. 2007’s show will see an increase in USA buyers, all of whom have already registered an interest in meeting the Scottish group. Scotland should inevitably see an increase in demand for golf-related tourism over the coming years.”
Mike Woodcock, speaking on behalf of St Andrews Golf Development Group, said, “IGTM will offer us an excellent platform to promote our courses and facilities to a host of new buyers from markets in the US and throughout the world. We have a wonderful range of top quality courses in the St Andrews area and throughout Scotland as a whole. We will be working hard to get that message across to the buyers.”
Lin Marshall from Murrayshall House Hotel, said, “We are really looking forward to IGTM this year as we will be marketing our resort to a host of new buyers. Traditionally IGTM has had a European buyer focus; however, 2007 will see the balance move to USA buyers. Golfers across the world recognise Scotland – this is our opportunity to convert interest into economic hard facts.”
IGTM 2007 www.igtm.co.uk
Reed Travel Exhibitions www.reedtravelexhibitions.com