Angus Council economic development chiefs say efforts to put Carnoustie Country to the fore at next year’s Open were a success.
A team attended this year’s golf championship at Royal Birkdale to raise awareness of Carnoustie Country and the attractions of Angus.
The tourism and economic benefits offered by The Open could generate as much as £80m for Tayside when it returns to Carnoustie in a year’s time.
Angus Council’s economic development spokesperson Ron Sturrock said: “Our ambition for The Open in Carnoustie is to increase visitor numbers to boost our economy and ensure our businesses work together across Angus reap the benefits of hosting one of the largest sporting events in the world, not just while the event is on but ensuring visitors return throughout the year.
Gunshot Gin tasters from @TheGinBothy & @88chocmaker chocolate at #TheOpen2017 today for @TasteOfAngus pic.twitter.com/JrSe6OJ35D
— Business Angus (@BusinessAngus) July 21, 2017
“I’m pleased to hear that the work from the team last week was so successful and we look forward to welcoming golfers, spectators and their friends and families to Angus next year.”
Angus Council will also discuss the possible introduction of a ‘no re-admissions’ policy at next year’s tournament with The R&A in the coming weeks.
Starting our tasters today with craft beer from @71brewing & #dundeecake a winning combo #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/jxUdbaGcsk
— Carnoustie Country (@carnoustiecntry) July 20, 2017
The golf authority did not allow people to leave the course and gain re-entry at this year’s championship as a result of security concerns.
However, Carnoustie councillors and businesses are anxious that the Angus town sees a tourism boost from the thousands of visitors at next year’s tournament.
Mr Sturrock said: “Tourism is extremely significant to the Angus economy. In 2016 alone it was worth £227 million.
Looking forward to being this busy at #TheOpen2018 @carnoustiegolf @VisitScotGolf pic.twitter.com/RHwSYd8AEK
— Carnoustie Country (@carnoustiecntry) July 18, 2017
“We want the world to see that we are very much open for business and the team spoke with hundreds of people who sampled some of our great local produce and found out more about Carnoustie Country’s golf courses and heritage, where to stay when they come next year and about other attractions across Angus.
“Officers met with Sefton Council’s head of tourism and also England’s Golf Coast manager to learn from their experiences and add to our three-year marketing plan for pre-, during and post-Open event to maximise the increased global profile that The Open brings to the area.
“Discussions also took place with the R&A on the three legacy projects focusing on young people, food and drink and an environmental project.
“We know there has been concerns raised by local businesses on the R&A’s new admissions policy and we will be discussing this with them in the coming weeks once they have completed their evaluation of this year.”
The R&A said the no readmission system this year was “to provide a safer experience for our spectators and try to prevent them falling victim to misleading sales tactics”.
Jackie Liddell, landlady at the Stag’s Head Inn in Carnoustie, said: “It definitely creates a buzz around the town and I remember in 1999 how packed it was.
“But in 2007 I remember coaches being bussed in and bussed out. This readmissions policy could have a big impact on many of us.”
