By Dave Lord

PERTHSHIRE, which gained worldwide exposure during the G8 summit, has become the third-most requested location for business events in Scotland.

In addition, golf tourists are contributing at least £750,000 to the county’s economy each year.

The figure is revealed in a report by Perth and Kinross Council which has already started planning for when the Ryder Cup is played at Gleneagles in 2014.

Councillors will also hear when they meet this week that the “Scottish Village” highlighting Perthshire’s produce and scenic beauty, which formed part of the G8 village in July, will again be transported to New York’s Central railway station for Tartan Week next year, where it will promote Scottish interests.

The development is just one set to be discussed as members of Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee meet on Wednesday.

“Good progress has been made across the tourism spectrum,” said a council spokesman. “Achievements include tourist information centres achieving their annual booking target by the end of August and Perthshire becoming the third most requested location for business events in Scotland.

“Meanwhile, an expected increase in the number of golf passes sold for the area is to bring an estimated economic impact of £776,000, and plans are under way for a tourism conference in February.”

Councillors will hear that the Scotland Village’s trip to New York and the forthcoming Ryder Cup present “magnificent opportunities” to promote Perth and Kinross internationally.

Enterprise and infrastructure committee convener Alan Livingstone said, “A very positive picture of tourism activity has emerged from the six-monthly review of VisitScotland Perthshire’s recent work.”

He added, “It reflects clearly the importance of tourism to our economy and the commitment that exists to continue growing the sector.

“I would also welcome the proposals for involvement with Tartan Week 2006 and, further ahead, the 2014 Ryder Cup, as ideal opportunities to continue building on the work done around the G8 Summit.”

VisitScotland area director for Perthshire, Vicki Miller, said, “I am delighted with the outcome of our six- month review with Perth and Kinross council.”

She added, “Partnership working and a shared commitment to develop tourism in the area has been the key to success.”

“During the first six months of the year we have experienced a very healthy demand from visitors inquiring about the area through our tourist information centres, the national contact centre and website,” Ms Miller continued.

“Occupancy levels for the bed and breakfast and self-catering sectors are also up on last year.

“The prospect of showcasing Perthshire in New York is very exciting and I look forward to working with Perth and Kinross council to make the most of this fantastic opportunity,” she added.