Golf tourism industry in Scotland is on the up

The golf tourism industry has shown signs of improvement this year, according to a poll of industry experts.

The survey, carried out by Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS) during its Gold Standard awards in November at the Fairmont resort in St Andrews asked professionals from the travel, hospitality and golf sectors to give an account of business over the past 12 months.

Three-quarters claimed progress had been made in 2011, 12 per cent recorded a decline and a further 12 per cent were undecided, when compared with 2010.

Lee Derrick, chairman of GTS, said: “As with many industries, golf tourism has been through some difficult and challenging times. These results show that confidence is returning to the golf industry, and GTS is committed to turning that belief into positive plans and practical policies that will help promote Scotland’s golf offering around the world.”

GTS was formed in 2005 with the aim of raising the standards of golf tourism in relation to product development, marketing, training and research.

It said the poll showed a divided industry, in terms of the recognition it received for its contribution to Scotland’s economy: around two-thirds believed golf tourism did not get the credit it deserved, while a quarter say it did.

In 2009, the Scottish Golf Tourism market analysis report, published by the Scottish Government, found that the industry’s economic impact was around £220 million. It calculated that for every £1 spent on “green fees”, golf visitors also spent £3 elsewhere.

Golf tourism is also said to support around 7,000 jobs across the country.

Mr Derrick added: “Golf in Scotland has been so ingrained in the culture that the economic contribution it makes is often overlooked. I believe the industry’s significance is set to soar.”