The arrival of one of the biggest events in world golf has led to predictions of a second tourism bonanza for Perth and Kinross.
International attention will be focused on Gleneagles in 2019 as Europe’s finest female players face-off against the USA in the Solheim Cup.
It is a massive opportunity for the region which is still benefiting from the exposure offered by 2014’s hugely successful Ryder Cup.
That event was a triumph for Gleneagles and the region as a whole and it is hoped the Solheim Cup can mirror that success.
Thousands of spectators are expected to make their way to The PGA Centenary Course, while tens of millions worldwide watch the biennial clash on television.
Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure convener, John Kellas, said the opportunities that audience presents must be fully grasped.
And he pledged the local authority’s unstinting support to ensure that every possible benefit is drawn from the world event.
The 2014 Ryder Cup — spectacularly won by Europe on the same course — has been credited with driving growth in golf tourism, investment in courses such as Blairgowrie and an overall rise in visitor numbers.
That long-lasting boost to business has supplemented that enjoyed by the region while the event was being planned, set-up and staged.
In 2015, a report revealed that the 2014 Ryder Cup had generated £106 million for the Scottish economy and £22 million directly for Perth and Kinross.
Councillor Kellas said he believes the professional way in which the event was staged and the superb way in which businesses, including Gleneagles itself, conducted themselves and worked together had played a key role in attracting this latest golf event.
“The announcement by the Ladies European Tour was yet more fantastic news for Perth and Kinross,” Mr Kellas said.
“It will help to once again raise the profile of the area with golfers and beyond the world of golf as a place to visit.
“We have seen significant benefits across the region since the Ryder Cup was staged at Gleneagles in 2014.
“They have been felt beyond the immediate Ryder Cup and beyond the Gleneagles area and in many ways not associated with golf.
“Major events like this bring many people to the area and though their initial focus may be on golf they inevitably do other things while they are here.
“That leads to them exploring the area, which has a great deal to offer, and subsequently to making repeat visit.
“Obviously the international coverage that events like this bring are also brilliant for Perth and Kinross Council.
“The professional way in which the Ryder Cup was run and the excellent co-operation that took place between the council and its partners ably illustrated the ability of this area to host major sporting events.
“I am certain that one thing has led to another and that the success of that event played a key part in the decision to bring the Solheim Cup to Gleneagles in 2019.
“This could offer massive benefits to all manner of businesses and I think everyone should look forward to this and work hard to maximise the benefits from it.
“Perth and Kinross Council will certainly be working hard to support everyone involved.”
