Scotland’s Golf Coast Set for Visitor Boost

Tens of thousands of spectators to head to North Berwick For Genesis Scottish Open

Tourism businesses in East Lothian are hoping to benefit once again from one of the biggest weeks in professional golf’s calendar.

For the fifth year in a row The Renaissance Club hosts The Genesis Scottish Open (13-16 July) and will bring the stars of the men’s professional game to the region.

Accommodation providers, cafes, bars and restaurants, retailers and attractions are preparing for an influx of golf fans watching the event over the four days.

Co-sanctioned by both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour as part of a Strategic Alliance the field includes the top ranked players in the world, an estimated 70,000 spectators will attend the week.

While the stunning coastline and views over the Firth of Forth will be broadcast to the global television audience and golfers looking to book their next holiday.

East Lothian – Scotland’s Golf Coast - is home to 21 courses within 30 miles of coastline. The economic value of golf tourism to East Lothian is more than £20million and it supports more than 600 jobs. Every £1 spent by golfers to play a course in Scotland generates a further £5 on extras such as hotels, restaurants and retail.

The Genesis Scottish Open benefits from the support of VisitScotland, managed on behalf of The Scottish Government, and retains its place in golf’s global calendar the week ahead of The Open.

In addition to the economic benefits, the event week is also used as a catalyst for several important social initiatives to benefit the local community, including a beach clean, golf clinics for young people and donations to local charities.

Along with partners GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf and the DP World Tour, VisitScotland will co-host a sustainable events spotlight providing an opportunity for a range of partners, stakeholders and experts to explore key sustainability issues relating to the events and tourism sector. The activity is part of the National Tourism Organisation’s responsible tourism commitment, ensuring communities and businesses can both enjoy the benefits of tourism and events equally.

VisitScotland’s Regional Director Neil Christison said: “The Genesis Scottish Open once again provides the perfect stage to showcase Scotland’s Golf Coast to the world. Venues like The Renaissance Club and the passion of Scottish golf fans highlight one of the many reasons why Scotland currently holds the title of Best Golf Destination in the World.

Our focus is ensuring we continue to position Scotland as a must visit golf destination but equally important highlighting the great work being done to ensure golf tourism and golf events have a real social impact on East Lothian and Scotland.”

Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “Our Club Campsite, Yellowcraig in North Berwick, is ideally located for spectators to visit the Genesis Scottish Open in East Lothian. Over the years we have welcomed many new visitors to our Club Campsite who stay specifically to visit the Open. Scotland is renowned for its golfing and having an event of this stature is wonderful news for local businesses.”

Celia Eaton, Reservations Manager, The Castle Inn Hotel: “We would like to extend a very warm welcome to all visitors, old and new from The Castle Inn Team.

We would love to see you pop in for a drink or to sample our incredible menu which includes locally sourced products, vegetarian and vegan options. Your business is incredibly important to us as a small business.”

VisitScotland invests more than £3 million annually to support golf events and to market Scotland globally as the Home of Golf and is a Strategic Partner with GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, an international not-for-profit, based in North Berwick.