It is going to be a busy run-up to this year’s Open Championship with not one, but two key anniversaries taking place at the Home of Golf.
Together with the celebrations honouring the Open’s 150th anniversary, St Andrews will also mark a milestone for Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS), as the trade body celebrates half a decade of campaigning for Scotland’s golf tourism industry.
The festivities, which are planned for Tuesday 13th July, will take place just yards from the 17th green and final tee of the famous Old Course. On hand will be a host of key industry figures in addition to a number of specially invited guests. A series of key announcements have been promised as well as an opportunity to reflect on the five years since GTS was formed.
“Back in 2005, the objective was to raise standards in Scottish golf tourism, provide private-sector leadership and develop closer relationships with other key bodies” commented GTS chairman Nick Hunter. “Although significant gains have been made, we’ve still got a long way to go, and our fifth anniversary will provide a fitting occasion to celebrate our achievements and consider the challenges that lie ahead. What better place to do this than in St Andrews ?”
As well as GTS members, who embody every facet of Scotland ’s golf tourism industry, representatives from both public and private sector partner organisations will be in attendance along with key members of the media.
“It’s a chance to genuinely celebrate what has been a remarkable five years,” Hunter continued. “For me, the greatest achievement has been the growing significance of our annual Gold Standard awards, which celebrate the best examples of golf tourism, and the very real and important business relationships forged between our members. The next five years will build on this by creating an increasingly universal voice for the sector.”
The GTS Fifth Anniversary Party will take place in the clubhouse of Madras FP Rugby Club, which is immediately adjacent to the Old Course Hotel, between 5-7pm on Tuesday 13th July.
All GTS members are welcome, as are invited guests interested in finding out more about golf tourism in Scotland and the benefits of GTS membership.
Golf Tourism Scotland www.golftourismscotland.com