Dec. 1, 2004 – With the dollar struggling against both the Euro and the pound, the time has never been better for attracting European golf tourism.

In 2003, 57 per cent of European golf tour operators reported an increase in sales, while 53 per cent of North American operators reported the same. And that despite increased concerns over security. Paradoxically, an increase in direct flights and a levelling off of fares were cited as reasons for the increase, which demonstrates people will put aside their security concerns if the price is right.

And with 50 per cent of Europe’s golfers based in the British Isles, and around ½ million within 25 miles of the center of England’s capital city, it is no surprise that there are an increasing number of golf resorts enquiring about exhibiting at next April’s London Golf Show – an event which will soon establish itself as Europe’s top retail golf expo. Sales manager for the show, Mark Tiffany, found himself in increasing demand at the recent World Travel Market exhibition – one of the industry’s foremost business-to-business forums.

He said: “Some of the big golfing destinations in the US were present and keen to find out more about the show. With around 60,000 visitors expected through the doors at our show in April there’s an awful lot of potential. “Destinations are proving to be one of the boom areas of the show with around 60 top resorts having confirmed already.” And they include the home of golf.

The St Andrews Old Course Hotel, recently acquired by Herb Kohler, has recently taken a large stand to join many major players including Celtic Manor, the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup; Royal Parc Evian, home of the Evian Masters; and Doha Golf Club, venue for the European Tour’s Qatar Masters.

Tiffany added: “We have been in discussions with top-name destinations in California, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and both North and South Carolina. “I’m confident there will be several big-name US destinations come next April’s opening. The time is right for American resorts to attract UK tourism.”

There is still time for more companies to join the growing list of exhibitors – which already includes Mizuno and Nike - at the London Golf Show, but while the time remains, floor space will soon be at a premium.

So don’t leave it too late if you want to be at Europe’s top retail golf show.

Information for journalists

• The London Golf Show takes place at the ExCel Centre, London, on April 21-24, 2005. Check out the website at: www.londongolfshow.com.
• Tickets to the event cost £10 in advance, or £15 on the door; under-16s £5 in advance or £7.50 on the door and are available from Ticketmaster, online at: www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling freephone 08701 451205.
• To book space at the London Golf Show, contact sales director Gary Barbe on 0044 20 7793 9611.

Issued by Pete Richardson Communications Ltd.

For more information or pictures on either the London Golf Show or Pete Richardson Communications, please contact Pete Richardson or Dave Bowers on 08700 330 550 or 07786 238920 or email: pete@peterichardsoncommunications.com, or dave@peterichardsoncommunications.com.

All London Golf Show press releases are available on line at www.londongolfshow.com/press_list.cfm