Visit Kent has appointed Helen Heady of Heady PR as a golf consultant in order to achieve its vision of positioning the county as a leading golf destination in both the domestic and international markets.
Heady PR will work in partnership with Visit Kent, its business partners in the golf industry and the prime golf courses of Kent to build and develop the legacy of golf in the county following the successful staging of The Open Championship at Royal St George’s in 2011.
Whilst raising the awareness of the Kent golf product in both the local and overseas markets, Helen will also work closely with those golf tour operators currently offering Kent golf packages whilst also aiming to increase the number of leading tour operators that sell golf in the county.
“Visit Kent is delighted to have Heady PR on board to enhance the profile of the 100 plus golf courses located in the county in order to ensure that Kent is top of mind when golfers are looking to book a golf break in the UK and to ultimately drive more traffic to the region,” comments Sandra Matthews-Marsh, Chief Executive of Visit Kent.
The variety and quality of courses in Kent, with numerous championship courses and hidden gems designed by celebrated designers such as Harry Colt and James Braid, the plethora of cultural and historical attractions, its up-and-coming reputation as a centre for gastronomy and the rebirth of towns like Whitstable and Margate means that the so-called ‘Garden of England’ has a great deal to offer alongside golf.
The county’s proximity to London and the continent as well as international airports, ports and the Channel Tunnel also makes Kent easily accessible for golfers from many different countries looking to embark on a golf tour or weekend break.
Whilst Kent is first and foremost known as the ‘Garden of England’, the county is also home to over 100 golf courses many of which have hosted world-class, international championships such as Royal St George’s, venue for The Open Championship on many occasions and most recently in 2011 and Royal Cinque Ports, which hosted The Open in 1909 and 1920.
In addition, Kent has a number of fine courses designed by renowned golf course architects James Braid and Harry Colt and by golfing legends, Jack Nicklaus and Sir Nick Faldo as well a number of lesser known hidden golfing gems.
Visit Kent as part of COOL has developed a business cluster working with 10 golf partners to help raise the awareness of rural Kent as a golf destination.
Visit Kent www.visitkent.co.uk