More Rooms Required for Open Champiosnhip
Homeowners in Fife are being urged to offer bed and breakfast accommodation to visitors flocking to the area for this year's Open Championship at St Andrews.National tourism agency VisitScotland is encouraging homeowners within a 50-mile radius of the Home of Golf to register to take in guests between July 9 and July 25 this year.
Households who are interested in participating in the temporary scheme will be given a short assessment to ensure their accommodation meets VisitScotland’s minimum standards.
Richard Pinn, regional director for VisitScotland, said: "The Open Championship attracts more than 200,000 people to the area and VisitScotland markets this event worldwide.
"It is the only event in Scotland where there is a requirement to source additional accommodation in this way and with this temporary scheme in place we can be confident visitors are booking into a property that meets minimum standards.
"This is a great opportunity for local homeowners to make some income and also an opportunity for us all to showcase our famous Scottish hospitality during this world class golfing event.”
Councillor Tony Martin, Chair of Fife Council’s Environment, Enterprise and Transportation Committee, added: "We are keen to ensure that Fife maximises the opportunities presented by The Open’s return to St Andrews.
"In 2005 the event brought in £37million to Fife and supported 615 jobs. If we can help bring more people to The Open and provide more accommodation in Fife, the greater the benefit to the whole Fife economy."
