Tourism chiefs have described Carnoustie’s staging of this week’s Women’s British Open as a “huge opportunity” for businesses in the area.
Households in 25 countries watched last year’s Women’s Open and VisitScotland said this was a fantastic opportunity for Angus to put the local area on the map.
Around 40,000 people are expected to descend on Carnoustie to watch the major taking place for the first time at the championship course between Thursday and Sunday where 2009 champion Catriona Matthew will be among the field.
The event is not just about what happens during the four days of the championship, but what it can do to promote the area to the hordes of golfing fans who attend in person or watch on TV.
James Lakie of VisitScotland said, “Any major event of this size provides a great opportunity to showcase and put the local area on the map. It is also testament to the quality of Scotland’s golfing credentials that such a prestigious event will be held in Scotland this year and in St Andrews in 2013.
“Due to the large volume of people attending, there is a huge opportunity for all local businesses to highlight exactly what they have to offer visitors by going above and beyond expectations. This will undoubtedly encourage return visits which is clearly paramount to the success of the tourism industry.”
As the only women’s major played outside the US, it boasts players from across the nations. Joining defending champion Yani Tseng and Stacy Lewis, winner of the Kraft Nabisco Championship, are former champions Jiyai Shin and Karrie Webb.RecognitionDavid Hutcheson, chairman of the Tayside branch of the Institute of Directors, said, “For such a prestigious international event to come to the area shows the level of recognition we have, for some of the best golf courses in the world and the infrastructure to run major events.
“It is very encouraging to see the efforts being made by everyone to make the event a success and hopefully more such tournaments can be attracted to Carnoustie. This is a great opportunity for the area to promote itself and encourage (people) to become regular visitors.
“With a possible 40,000 attending the event this will be a tremendous boost to businesses in the area and gives us a real chance to promote what we have to offer.
“Repeat business in tourism is vitally important because someone who is happy to return is likely to spread the word about just how good the area is. The area has so much to offer visitors, let’s hope this is a great boost for tourism not just for the week of the championship but for many years ahead.”
Former champion Matthew will be returning to the Angus links with fond memories and a renewed affiliation with the area.
The 2009 champion was recently named as the first Carnoustie Country global golf ambassador, with her role being to promote the area’s golfing pedigree around the world.