Golf tourism gives Kent economy a welcome boost in 2021
The countdown to the return of The Open to Royal St George’s in Sandwich in July 2021 is underway, and with it, a welcome £100m boost to the county’s visitor economy.
Today (16 July 2020) would have been the start of The 149th Open which was cancelled as a result of coronavirus. The R&A announced that the Championship will now be held at Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich from 11-18 July 2021.
Providing a welcome boost to the county’s tourism industry, Dover District Council, Kent County Council, and Visit Kent are celebrating the contribution that golf tourism brings to the county.
Cllr MJ Holloway, DDC’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, said: “We’re proud of having some of the best links golf courses in the world here in White Cliffs Country.
“Hosting The Open at Royal St George’s in 2021 gives us fresh impetus to capitalise on the exposure that comes with one of the world’s greatest sporting events in the district.
“It’s just the boost the local tourism and hospitality industry needs as we start to rebuild, and we’re encouraging everyone to get behind the local effort to ensure that we give the warmest of welcomes.”
Showcasing the Dover district to the world is the new-look White Cliffs Country website, which includes new functionality, video experiences, webcams and LiveChat support, as well as translation options to appeal to a wider domestic and international market.
Deirdre Wells OBE, Visit Kent Chief Executive, said: “We are determined to build on the excellent preparation we have already undertaken throughout the county, to deliver the very best Championship possible in 2021.
“We look forward to welcoming golfers from all over the world to enjoy our golf courses, and the range of wonderful attractions and activities that Kent has to offer.
“The 149th Open will be an excellent opportunity to support both the clubs and Kent businesses, and support them in rebuilding the visitor economy, which is worth nearly £4 billion to the county.”
KCC Cabinet Member for Community Services and Regulatory Services, Mike Hill, said: “Kent County Council and our partners have been working towards hosting The 149th Open over a number of years. We know that based on previous Championships this wonderful sporting event will be a great boost for tourism as visitors from across the world visit the county. As one of the biggest sporting events in the world, the impact of images from Kent being shared across the globe cannot be overestimated and will bring increased tourism to the county for years to come.”
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said, “The Open generates significant economic benefits for local businesses in the region in which it is played each year and this is thanks to the hundreds of thousands of fans who attend during the week of the Championship and our suppliers who work on-site at the venue for up to six months.
“We will continue to work alongside our partners in Kent to plan for The Open next year and we will look forward to welcoming the world’s best golfers to Royal St George’s.”
Tim Checketts, Secretary at Royal St George’s, said: “With a year to go, we are thoroughly looking forward to working with The R&A and the local authorities in Kent and Dover and the people of Sandwich to deliver a world class Championship, welcoming the golfing world back to Kent.”
Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC’s cabinet member with responsibility for The Open, said: “Preparations for The 149th Open in 2021 are already well advanced, including the improvements to boost high-speed rail capacity and spectator access at Sandwich station.
“We’re looking forward to working with The R&A and Royal St George’s to deliver a very special event in 2021.”
Posted on 16 July 2020