Golf Perthshire has launched an exciting new initiative under the banner ‘Heart of Scotland Golf’.
Scotland is well known as ‘The Home of Golf’ and Perthshire is well placed right in the heart of the country to capitalise on this with 38 stunning courses, full of character and set amidst spectacular scenery.
Created in December 2013, Golf Perthshire already has 40 members with others looking to join. Membership is open to all Perthshire golf tourism related businesses, including golf courses, accommodation and visitor attractions. The collaboration offers members great benefits from marketing campaigns to business development advice.
One of the first tasks of the new group has been to create an eye-catching brand and new website, which captures the essence of the area and all that it has to offer golfers. Easily accessible with a clean and colourful style, the website contains information not only for those wishing to plan their own experience but also features packages and outstanding value passes.
The website was developed by local Perthshire company, BedfordBeck. To find out more visit www.golfperthshire.com
Douglas Cleeton, Chairman said, “We are delighted to have reached this stage in such a short time. Golf Perthshire was fortunate to recruit Allan Minto, who has 10 years experience working with the first golf industry collaboration of this type and brings a wealth of knowledge to the project.”
The timing for launching the initiative and in particular the website could not be better as Perthshire prepares to host The 2014 Ryder Cup from 23 – 28 September. Golf Perthshire will be promoted to 45,000 spectators and a potential daily TV audience of 500 million people across 183 countries.
Councillor John Kellas said, “Perth and Kinross plays an important role in making Scotland the home of golf. Our scenic golf courses are internationally recognised for their quality and natural beauty and this year we will capture the world’s attention when Gleneagles hosts the 2014 Ryder Cup, and the Junior Ryder Cup takes place at Blairgowrie Golf Club. We are delighted to support Golf Perthshire. Together we can maximise the opportunities this year brings, and beyond, to promote our area as a leading golfing destination, and as a great place to visit.”
Golf tourism is a key sector for the county currently contributing c£13m to the economy. However, there is great potential to increase this and one of the objectives of Golf Perthshire is to generate more overnight visits. It is anticipated that by 2020 an additional expenditure of £17m can be achieved.
Allan Minto, Golf Project Manager, commented, “Perthshire truly is an amazing golfing destination. In the short period of time since joining Golf Perthshire, I have been travelling throughout the county meeting the businesses. I have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome, the outstanding value and the wonderful locations. No matter which course you play you can’t fail to enjoy the experience. This is the beginning of a very exciting initiative which has great potential to deliver a lasting legacy for Perthshire from The Ryder Cup.”
Heart of Scotland Golf is being widely marketed, recent activity includes, hosting 8 European golf writers on assignments from leading publications and representation at European Tour Events in Wentworth, England, Cologne, Germany and Malmo, Sweden. Future plans are shaping up with an application to VisitScotland’s Growth Fund for match funding to enable delivery of an innovative marketing campaign.
Golf Perthshire is supported by Perth and Kinross Council and Scottish Enterprise and works closely with VisitScotland.
Golf Perthshire www.golfperthshire.com