To ask the Scottish Executive what support in cash and in kind is provided to encourage golf tourism by (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) VisitScotland.
Since 2000 Scottish Enterprise has supported the golf tourism sector through support for industry leadership, research collation and dissemination and collaboration and product development. SE also contributes to the Framework for Scottish Golf - Tourism Group. This work, described as One Plan for Golf, aims to align the objectives and strategies of all organisations involved in developing the sport of golf. Financial support includes:
In 2008-09 The National Golf Tourism Monitor was introduced in order to assist partner agencies (VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise), as well as wider industry stakeholders, to capture information about trends of visiting golfer rounds played on golf courses in Scotland. £9,000
Golf Tourism Business Insight seminar- The event provided businesses involved in the golf market, both as operators and in the wider tourism community, with an opportunity to hear from and meet Bob Morris of Billy Casper Golf, USA. Bob provided a commentary on the opportunity Scotland has to attract the ˜next generation'' golfer and increase its share of the US market in particular. £6,000
The St Andrews Golf Development Group has been assisted with business development activities (web and database development) and development of an International Marketing Strategy. £12,000
First In Fife Golf Group - SE have been working with this collaboration of 12 golf courses and 15 accommodation providers in the West of Fife, who are targeting their golf pass at the UK, Ireland and European golfer looking for great golf at good value prices. The group have upgraded their website, collecting much improved customer data, and have recruited new businesses into the fold. £15,000
Golf Tourism Ayrshire was provided with support for a new destination marketing campaign, which includes a new industry body called Scotland''s West Coast Golf Links. This was formally constituted in February, and launched officially by Jim Mather on 22 April. £12,000.
Support for the British Senior''s Open - at Royal Troon and evaluation report as to the economic impact of the event. £29,000
Support for the British Open - at Royal Birkdale. £30,000.
VisitScotland spends £1 million annually on the promotion of golf tourism. Marketing activity includes publications, direct mailings, sponsorship of major tournaments, golf website, and attending the International Golf travel market. Golf is marketed to specialist golf groups as well as more widely across those consumer segments where golf may be an element of the visitor''s trip.