Fife’s precious golf tourism industry has been bolstered by a new VisitScotland campaign to help the sector recover from coronavirus.
VisitScotland has released a film to promote golf across Scotland as part of a wider £3 million marketing campaign.
The drive to boost the domestic market and encourage people to rediscover Scotland’s world-class golf tourism, particularly in Fife, comes with St Andrews still reeling from the postponement of The Open until 2022 and the lucrative Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this year.
Before the pandemic, golf tourism was worth more than £286million pounds to Scotland annually and employed more than 4,400 people.
Kingsbarns Golf Links and the Old Course Hotel and Spa Resort are both due to reopen on Saturday as the fightback begins.
VisitScotland’s chief executive Malcolm Roughead said the new campaign, voiced by sports broadcaster Andrew Cotter, will encourage golfers of all ages and abilities to embrace the sport.
He said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism industry, and golf is playing a key role in restarting our domestic visitor economy.
“It’s not just golf operators that benefit but accommodation providers, hospitality, transport and retail.
“With over 550 courses in Scotland, this film celebrates the huge variety of great venues right across the country, showing you don’t have to travel too far to have a fantastic experience.
“Alongside this though, it’s important we respect that tourism might not look the same as before, but the warm Scottish welcome remains.
“We ask that people follow the recommended guidelines, book in advance and respect the local communities so there’s something to enjoy for everyone.”
Kingsbarns Golf Links is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is eagerly anticipating this weekend’s reopening.
“It’s not quite the time for fanfare given Scottish golf courses are still under Covid-19-related restrictions but Kingsbarns Golf Links and in conjunction with the famed courses in and around St Andrews, now can count the days until we eagerly again welcome visitors back to our links.”
