One of Scotland ’s most prestigious golf industry events has been commended by the speakers who appeared at the progressive debate. The ‘Gimme Five’ national forum, staged at Murrayshall House Hotel & Golf Courses, was timed to coincide with celebrations marking the fifth year of Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS). It also provided a rare opportunity for the industry to predict the key issues that will affect golf in the future.
“Because people recognise that the industry is at a crossroads, there was a great sense of togetherness in the hall,” commented Lee Derrick who was among those on the world-class line-up. The owner of sales and marketing agency Blue Spinach and GTS board member said the forum had provided an exceptional opportunity for the golf industry to air its views.
“It was great to hear from the different areas of the industry and to find out what they believed would be the challenges in the years to come,” he said following the event. “I don’t think you could have heard such a diverse range of opinions with such significance to all those in attendance than at a GTS forum.”
The forward-looking event challenged a panel of experts to predict what issues would influence their decisions over the next five years. With representatives from both public and private sectors, the collective nature of the event provided a unique opportunity for collaboration.
“The ‘Gimme Five’ event worked because it brought together various strands of the golf tourism market to discuss key issues,” said Seamus Coen, a regional general manager with Macdonald Hotels. “The real benefit was the opportunity to understand how our business partners and suppliers viewed those issues and how we could work closer together in the future.”
With over 50 delegates, the all-day forum was a powerful mix of views from accommodation providers, golf clubs, transport companies and tour operators. It was also an important opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen relationships, according to GTS chairman Nick Hunter.
“The industry as a whole is reliant on many constituent parts each of which forms an important link in the chain,” he explained. “Understanding what lies ahead for each of these segments will help the industry prepare for what will be an exciting and opportunity laden five years.”
The GTS ‘Gimme Five’ national forum was staged at Murrayshall House Hotel & Golf Courses on Tuesday 6 July.
Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS) www.golftourismscotland.com