The Dumfries & Galloway golf partnership includes; all of the region’s golf courses under the South of Scotland Golfer’s Association, Dumfries & Galloway Council, the Scottish Golf Union, VisitScotland and a number of accommodation providers and visitor attractions.
The group has been successful in securing £50,000 through a variety of sources including the private sector, Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Legacy 2014 plan, South of Scotland Business Competitiveness Project and the VisitScotland Growth fund.
The aim of the partnership is to market Dumfries and Galloway’s golf product and related businesses to increase tourist and visitor numbers.
The funding will start in April with a year-long programme of activity including; development of the current VisitScotland Dumfries & Galloway golf website detailing clusters of clubs and businesses, creation of golf cluster material, copy and trails. Activity will also include; online sales of the region’s golf pass integrated with the website, commission of new photography and copywriting for all Dumfries and Galloway golf courses, marketing and PR activity both in the press and online.
Donald Macdonald of Dumfries & County Golf Club said:
“The partnership is an exciting opportunity to develop sustainable collaboration not only among Golf Clubs but also with accommodation providers and tourist attractions across Dumfries & Galloway.”
Councillor Colin Smyth, chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure committee said:
“By working together, the region’s tourism businesses can capitalise on our fantastic golf assets and encourage more visitors to experience what Dumfries & Galloway has to offer.”
Paula McDonald, VisitScotland Regional Director, said:
“We are delighted to support the Dumfries & Galloway Golf Partnership; the project is a hugely significant development for the region, representing an outstanding opportunity to ensure that full advantage is taken of the economic growth opportunities offered by the increased profile golf is being given this year.
“2014 will be a phenomenal year for golf in Scotland, with The Ryder Cup heightening the international focus on the country’s already famous and strong links with the sport. We are fortunate in Dumfries & Galloway to be able to offer an excellent and varied range of golfing related visitor experiences, and we congratulate Dumfries & Galloway Council on its foresight in developing the Partnership to ensure that the maximum tourism benefits are realised.”
The project is part of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s 2014 Legacy Plan that aims to ensure long lasting and sustainable legacies are created from Scotland’s awe inspiring events of 2014 and is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund. These events include the Glasgow Commonwealth games, the 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and the yearlong Homecoming celebrations.
