Friday 29 July 2011

VAT Increases Won't Impact on Scottish Tourism...

Says who?

The recent VAT increases are widely accepted as making Scotland's tourism product less competitive with many of its European Counterparts. This is not an economic lesson here jsut a fact that the cost of eating, drinking and most of all staying in Scotland will be hit as the taxation differntial increases between here and for example Ireland. No, you don't think so?

Well here's an extract from a Dublin five star hotel's email last week with their net rates encouraging business back.
For your information also, The Westin Dublin is pleased to announce that, from July 1 this year, we will be passing on the VAT reduction savings applicable in our sector to our guests and customers. This new and welcome government initiative designed to stimulate growth in the tourism business in Ireland will reduce the former 13.5% VAT element to 9%. The reduction will impact on our room rates and food items, and at The Westin Dublin we are happy to continue to deliver excellent value to our guests and customers by passing this reduction on directly to them.

“Here at The Westin Dublin we are glad to pass on the upcoming VAT reduction to our customers, continuing our philosophy of providing excellent value for money,” says Andrew Henning, General Manager of the Westin Dublin. “We also welcome this general initiative as a boost for our sector at this time, and we look forward to a positive impact from this and other new actions currently being implemented.”
A VAT differential (a direct cost differential) of 11% on all sales. How the hell could that ever have an impact on sales and profitability on Scotland?

Tuesday 26 July 2011

Castle Stuart enters Top 60 Best Golf Courses


Plan B were delighted by by a request from our friends up at Castle Stuart to turn around a quick wee PDF design job for them last week and even more so when we got an email in from marketing boss Fraser Cromarty telling us that Castle Stuart Golf Links is now officially rated as the 56th best Golf Course in the World! 

The official rankings by the US based GOLF MAGAZINE were released this week on the 'front9' app with Castle Stuart being the highest-ranking debut on the World list.

Following on from its success as host venue to the recently played Barclays Scottish Open, Castle Stuart's reputation continues to spread worldwide. This recent award confirms that Castle Stuart is now one of the very best in the World.

"When we first saw the land here at Balnaglack, the extraordinary setting, the free-draining sandy soils, the varied topography, and the extensive links vegetation, we knew we had the grist of something wonderful. Earning recognition as 56th best course in the world by GOLF MAGAZINE so soon after opening along with hosting such a world-class event as the Barclays Scottish Open is incredibly satisfying. And to be located in the Highlands capital city of Inverness is even better.  It is a city of intimate charm and world-class dining.  Together with all the attractions of the Highlands, eg fishing, shooting, stalking, the whisky trail, a trip to the Highlands is now even more inviting for golfers than ever before"  Mark Parsinen, Managing Partner, Castle Stuart Golf LLP

Also ranked in the Top 100 is Royal Dornoch Golf Course where it again features in the top 20 with a world ranking of 16th place. The Highlands of Scotland continues to grow its reputation as a must visit golfing destination and with two of the world's top 100 courses in close proximity to each other there has never been a better time to take the trip North.

We continue to enjoy working with some great golf partners up that way too. Last year we redesigned the website for The Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch, worked with Brora, Golspie, Tain and Dornoch in creating the Dornoch Firth Golf Pass and have more recently launched a complete redesign for The Clubhouse in Nairn

Add to that ongoing work for some great businesses such as Inveran Guest House in Nairn, and the pro shop at Royal Dornoch itself amongst a host of others and the idae of having a Highland office isn't so daft!

Facebook Side Bar for Scottish Hotel

Following a wee three or four day trip around Inverness, Moray, Speyside, west Highlands and Argyll (and I can sympathise with the cost of visitor fuel!) I ended up at the wonderfully well located Crianlarich Hotel.

Sitting on the corner of the A85 from The Trossachs and Stirling and the A82 from Loch Lomondside and Glasgow the hotel was simply noticed in passing for too many years due to it being a coach hotel only. It's been in new hands for sometime now and the new GM Andrea provided me with patience and coffee as my last stop on the way back to the office last week.

Andrea is not one of those to whom you have to point out the opportunities of online business to; the recently added Facebook pages has already accrued more than a thousand followers and the websites recent conversion to the Bookassist Booking Engine is already reaping rewards with increased direct sales traffic.

The plans are also underway for the winter season with the printed materials already in place for January offers for locals and visitors alike. The promotion ties in a business card style log in with the booking engine to provide for the "exclusivity" required. By using a Bookassist Promo Code (available to all users of the booking engine) the hotel can promote a very attractive promotional rate without opening it up to the whole world. Took ten minutes to set up and now the hotel's January promotion is a fully integrated on and off line tool which can be used with email marketing and social media.

Great what you can achieve in ten minutes!

Andrea also liked the Facebook side bars we've been creating for our clients so we rattled one of them up for her which will no doubt be on the hotel's Facebook page by the time we publish this article. So next time you're heading up through Crianlarich stop off for a coffee or a bite to eat or book your January Crianlarich offer online!

Click through for further information on adding a Facebook banner to your page. You can also find out more about how your accommodation can benefit from increased direct sales with the award winning Bookassist Booking engine.

Crianlarich Hotel Adds Facebook Sidebar

Following a wee three or four day trip around Inverness, Moray, Speyside, west Highlands and Argyll (and I can sympathise with the cost of visitor fuel!) I ended up at the wonderfully well located Crianlarich Hotel.

Sitting on the corner of the A85 from The Trossachs and Stirling and the A82 from Loch Lomondside and Glasgow the hotel was simply noticed in passing for too many years due to it being a coach hotel only. It's been in new hands for sometime now and the new GM Andrea provided me with patience and coffee as my last stop on the way back to the office last week.

Andrea is not one of those to whom you have to point out the opportunities of online business to; the recently added Facebook pages has already accrued more than a thousand followers and the websites recent conversion to the Bookassist Booking Engine is already reaping rewards with increased direct sales traffic.

The plans are also underway for the winter season with the printed materials already in place for January offers for locals and visitors alike. The promotion ties in a business card style log in with the booking engine to provide for the "exclusivity" required. By using a Bookassist Promo Code (available to all users of the booking engine) the hotel can promote a very attractive promotional rate without opening it up to the whole world. Took ten minutes to set up and now the hotel's January promotion is a fully integrated on and off line tool which can be used with email marketing and social media.

Great what you can achieve in ten minutes!

Andrea also liked the Facebook side bars we've been creating for our clients so we rattled one of them up for her which will no doubt be on the hotel's Facebook page by the time we publish this article. So next time you're heading up through Crianlarich stop off for a coffee or a bite to eat or book your January Crianlarich offer online!

Click through for further information on adding a Facebook banner to your page. You can also find out more about how your accommodation can benefit from increased direct sales with the award winning Bookassist Booking engine.

Monday 25 July 2011

Turnberry and their iWine List!

It's been repoerted in the Scottish papers as the world's most expensive menu. The West Coast Golf Links golf resort of Turnberry has decided to use iPads for the wine menu instead of traditional paper and leather bound versions!

Turnberry is trialling the product for the wine list in its fine dining restaurant and plans to extend the concept to its other restaurants and bars by the end of the year all owing their guests to use the obvious benefits of inbuilt  search tools to find out more about their wine.

Ralph Porciani, director of operations at Turnberry, said: "We've seen this in the States for a while and it improves and enriches the experience of choosing from a menu. The ability to combine images, with more colourful background information on the product - be it the wine maker or the grapes - is incredibly satisfying for guests and gives them a far more informed choice."

"Around 60 per cent of our guests wander around with an iPad already tucked under their arm. So it is a technology which is very useable and very familiar to many people."

In other countries where the iPad has been used instead of a menu, restaurants have claimed a rise in turnover from diners finding their ordering inhibitions are lifted when ordering direct, rather than via waiters.

The trend began in the US shortly after the launch of the tablet devices last year. The technology used in some American restaurants allows staff to communicate with customers through email-style messages, suggesting, for example, that they may be ready to buy another drink - and also pay for their meals through the device using an in-built swipe card slot.

Another first for one of Ayrshire's West VCoast Golf Links

Scottish Amateur Heads for West Coast Links

Troon Welbeck’s Michael Stewart heads into this week’s Scottish Amateur Championship which is being held at the West Coast Links gem of Western Gailes between the 25 and 30th of July aiming to become the first golfer for twenty-eight years to successfully defend the title.

The 21-year-old, who defeated Fraserburgh’s Jordan Findlay 3 and 2 in the final at Gullane twelve months ago, has enjoyed another superb season, winning the South African Amateur Championship in February before narrowly losing the final of The Amateur Championship at Hillside last month.

Legendary amateur Charlie Green was the last man to win back-to-back titles in 1982-83 and Stewart is relishing the prospect of retaining the championship in his native Ayrshire, believing he is a vastly improved player a year on from his East Lothian win.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of defending the title as it’s been a while since anyone’s achieved that. There will obviously be some extra pressure on me but I seem to thrive on that and play some of my best golf in pressure situations, as I did in some of my close matches last year,” said Stewart, who is eyeing a place in the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup side to face the United States in September.

“All aspects of my game have improved since my win at Gullane and I would say I’m definitely a better golfer. The SGU squad training over the winter was of real benefit and the win in South Africa and my run in The Amateur Championship was great for my confidence. It will be nice playing at home in Ayrshire and I’m excited about the week ahead.” he added.

Scotland’s 256 leading amateur golfers representing 150 different clubs will descend on the Western Gailes links, which last hosted the championship in 2002 when Andrew McArthur defeated Scott Jamieson in a keenly contested final, before both players went on to compete on the European Tour.

The last Ayrshireman to win on home soil, was from another West Coast Links course, Barassie’s Jim Milligan in 1988.

Action gets underway on Monday morning at 0645 with 128 ties being played over the first two days. The 36-hole final will take place on Saturday 30 July with 0830 and 1300 tee-times. Live scoring and updates will be available throughout the week here on the SGU's website.



You can find out how you can play Western Gailes and the rest of Scotland's West Coast Golf Links courses on the website

Friday 22 July 2011

Machrie Hotel in New Hands

We missed this announcement while on holidays but welcome news for a great hotel and golf destination all the same.

Blair Nimmo and Tony Friar of KPMG LLP, as Joint Administrators of The Machrie Hotel and Golf Links Ltd and its associated property company Mendougal 21 Ltd, have sold the Machrie Hotel and the Machrie Golf Links (Islay) for an undisclosed sum on Thursday 30 June 2011 to Machrie Golf LLP.

Machrie Golf LLP is a partnership established by Baroness Sue Nye (former Director of Government Relations at 10 Downing Street) and her husband Gavyn Davies (Chairman of Fulcrum Asset Management) for the purpose of acquiring the Machrie Hotel and Golf Links.

The future development of the facility will be managed by G3k, whose CEO is Stewart Smith , a Scottish golf professional for 28 years.

The Machrie estate is located on the Isle of Islay off the West coast of Scotland and comprises a 16 bedroom hotel, 15 separate lodges, on-site bar and restaurant facilities, golf shop and the 71-par championship golf course, designed by Willie Campbell in 1891. The golf course is considered one of the world’s top links courses and is rated within the UK’s 100 top golf courses.

Blair Nimmo, Joint Administrator and head of Restructuring for KPMG in Scotland, said: “Following a seven month search for a buyer it is extremely satisfying to have concluded the sale of the Machrie Hotel and the Machrie Golf Links.

“The Machrie is an internationally recognized golfing venue, and both the hotel and golf course are of significant importance to the local economy on Islay and as such it is particularly pleasing to have achieved this sale which will hopefully ensure the future of this historic course. We wish the new owners of the Machrie, Sue Nye and Gavyn Davies, every success with the business for the future.”

Stewart Smith, the CEO of G3k said: “It is a privilege to be charged with the development of the Machrie. The new owners recognize that The Machrie is an important part of Scotland’s golfing heritage, and is crucial to Islay’s economy. They intend to preserve the historic appeal of this great links course, while renovating the hotel and clubhouse buildings. It will become one of Scotland’s prime golfing destinations. I would like to thank the staff Ian, Simon, Ewan and Kate for taking such good care of the business during its period in administration, and look forward to working with them.”

Norman MacDonald, The Captain of Islay Golf Club said: “As Captain of Islay Golf Club, I am delighted that the Machrie Hotel and Golf Links have been bought and after initial talks with the new owners, I am confident that the future of Islay Golf Club is in safe hands. We look forward to working together with the new owners”.

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Diary Date for Golf Tourism Awards

Golf Tourism Scotland have announced date for this year's 2011 Gold Standard Awards - the golf industry's red-carpet event where the best of Scotland's travel, hospitality and golf service providers are celebrated.

The 2011 Awards will take place at the award-winning Fairmont St Andrews on Thursday 3rd November.

Notably, the venue was awarded Resort Hotel of the Year 2010 by GTS and hosted the awards in 2007.

Lee Derrick, chairman of GTS noted: "We are really looking forward to working alongside Fairmont St Andrews in the run-up to the awards. The Fairmont has a reputation for putting on a fantastic show and will no doubt do a great job. There's a lot to celebrate this year with the Scottish golf industry continuing to make its mark internationally. I am sure that the Gold Standard Awards will be a night to remember."

For those of you who were their in 2007, you may recall that the Red Hot Chilli Pipers blew the audience away as post dinner entertainment and more than £2500 was raised for Children in Need with the Tartan Army and Runrig version of Loch Lomond. You have to watch the video below just for the Perry Golf Dance Version...



Ticket prices fro the event until 30th Sept are:
Table of 10: GTS members & guests - £800; non-members - £999
Individuals: members - £85; non-members - £105

From October 1st they go up to:
Table of 10: GTS members & guests - £900; non-members - £1,100
Individuals: members - £95; non-members - £115

Places can be reserved by emailing admin@golftourismscotland.com

Golf and Bed and Breakfast Ayrshire

A new collaboration has been set up in Ayrshire to help promote and develop the bed and breakfast marketplace to Ayrshire. The group calling themselves ABBA is being promoted via their new website with information on more than three dozen B & B's across Ayrshire.

Last year B & B owners were invited to a meeting hosted by Ayrshire Business Gateway where more than 30 owners met and voted in favour of forming such an association. A working committee was formed to devise ways forward such as sourcing funding, web design and promotion of local attractions. They have since had discussions with Business Gateway, South Ayrshire Council, VisitScotland, Ayrshire’s Tourism Forum, the Ayrshire and Arran Hoteliers Association and also the Ayrshire Food Network who have all been very supportive of the venture.

Essentially the aim is to publicise what Ayrshire has to offer in order to encourage people to come and enjoy their stay so that they want to come back again.

If you are interested in joining ABBA or for more information please contact any of the following Ayrshire B & B Association Committee Members through the ABBA website

The Dormie House in Prestwick is already an associate member of Scotland's West Coast Golf Links offering a high quality bed and breakfast property in close proximity to the wonderful Prestwick Links. Peter has some great golf deals throughout the summer so have a look at The Dormie House website where you can book his best rates directly online.

Ayrshire Bed and Breakfasts Come Together

A new collaboration has been set up in Ayrshire to help promote and develop the bed and breakfast marketplace to Ayrshire. The group calling themselves ABBA is being promoted via their new website with information on more than three dozen B & B's across Ayrshire.

Last year B & B owners were invited to a meeting hosted by Ayrshire Business Gateway where more than 30 owners met and voted in favour of forming such an association. A working committee was formed to devise ways forward such as sourcing funding, web design and promotion of local attractions. They have since had discussions with Business Gateway, South Ayrshire Council, VisitScotland, Ayrshire’s Tourism Forum, the Ayrshire and Arran Hoteliers Association and also the Ayrshire Food Network who have all been very supportive of the venture.

Essentially the aim is to publicise what Ayrshire has to offer in order to encourage people to come and enjoy their stay so that they want to come back again.

If you are interested in joining ABBA or for more information please contact any of the following Ayrshire B & B Association Committee Members through the ABBA website

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Belleisle Park in Ayrshire Secures Heritage Funding

South Ayrshire Council's Belleisle Park has received initial support for a £1.5m funding bid from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The figure includes £56,000 development funding which will be used to plan the details of the complete project.

Belleisle Park was originally designed by Dr John Campbell of Wellwood, a local businessman who made his fortune in the coalmining and tobacco trade, and bought the estate in 1775. In later years it came into Council ownership.

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "Belleisle Park is a valuable pocket of green space in South Ayrshire and is much-loved by the local community. We are pleased to be giving our initial support for this worth-while redevelopment project and are looking forward to working with the Council on these exciting plans over the coming months."

Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure said: "This is terrific news and I know that people across South Ayrshire and beyond will be celebrating the news that we have initial support from a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

"We have worked closely with the Friends of Belleisle and other interested parties to create a vision that we know we can make a reality, which will see Belleisle Park prosper again.

"The plan is to conserve the park's remaining historic features such as the stable block, walled garden, lodge house and rockeries. The Friends of Belleisle group will also support various volunteer training activities and public events.

"Many people have happy memories of childhood days spent at Belleisle and in turn have taken their children and grandchildren there to enjoy the magnificent outdoor space. Belleisle is a popular tourist destination and this is something that we want to capitalise on, when people play golf we want to encourage them to then enjoy the rest of Belleisle."

Norman McLean, Chair of The Friends of Belleisle said: "We are all celebrating this fantastic news. I am grateful to South Ayrshire Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and everyone else who is working in partnership to breath new life into Belleisle Park. This is the start of a new and exciting journey."