Ryder Cup preparations to be assessed at golf Industry summit
Preparations for the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and developing the golf tourism industry in Scotland will top the agenda at a national summit in July. Organised by Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS), the National Golf Forum will bring together keynote speakers from the golf industry to discuss some of the key issues and challenges facing the sector.
Hosted at Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club on July 3, the all-day forum will feature an impressive line-up of leading industry figures who will pass on bestpractice guidelines and discuss the unprecedented opportunities facing the Scottish golf industry. Discussing the announcement, GTS chairman Lee Derrick said the summit will aim to help the golf tourism industry capitalise on an exceptional run of events in the years to come including the Ryder Cup in 2014 and The Open Championship in 2013 and 2015.
"These are exciting times for the Scottish golf industry and it is imperative that we take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves not only in Scotland but also on the international stage," he noted. "It is crucial that each constituent part of the industry is made aware of the opportunities and receives the best advice about how to capitalise on these openings. The open forum approach we have adopted for the National Golf Forum will give everyone an opportunity to get involved and can only benefit the golf industry in Scotland ."
Speakers already confirmed include Fergus Ewing, Minister for Energy, Enterprise & Tourism, who will discuss how golf can play a bigger part in Scottish tourism and what can be done to ensure better co-ordination of marketing activities before, during and after the Ryder Cup.
John Parker, director of Ryder Cup Travel Services, will outline the opportunities surrounding the tournament for golf businesses, while Giles Greenwood, director at the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), will reveal the latest market trends in golf tourism and consider the opportunities and threats that face the industry in Scotland .
"It is certainly an impressive line-up," noted Derrick. "The speakers have been asked to deliver the kind of information that can be used to help businesses grow. This is, after all, about delivering pertinent advice at a time when our members and attendees need it most. The event has been timed to enable delegates to make improvements and changes straight away in order to make the most out of the growing interest in Scotland in build-up to 2014."
The National Golf Forum will take place on July 3 and will be open to members and non-members of GTS. Tickets for this important event will be available to purchase at £35 for GTS members and £60 for non-members. To book your place, email admin@golftourismscotland.com