The economic benefits of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open could be felt in the area for years, says the north-east business community.
The tournament, which takes place at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club from Thursday, July 10 until Sunday, July 13, is expected to boost the Scottish economy by £5million.
More than £2 million of this will go directly to local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and shops.
Philip Smith, regional director for VisitScotland, said: “This event will undoubtedly help boost the local visitor economy in Aberdeen, with everyone from B&B owners to restaurants and local attractions to shops benefiting from the huge influx of extra visitors.”
Spectators from around the world are expected to flock to the city to watch golfing stars including Rory McIlroy, Paul Lawrie, and last year’s Scottish Open winner Phil Mickelson battle it out for the trophy.
Chief executive of Visit Aberdeen, Steve Harris, said: “It’s no secret that much of Aberdeen’s tourism currently comes from midweek business travellers, so for a prestigious event like the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open to be held in the area is a fantastic boost for the leisure tourism industry.
“With the Banffshire Coast, whisky trail, castles and Royal Deeside plus the attractions, restaurants and bars of the city centre all within easy reach of the Scottish Open venue, the area takes some beating when it comes to cramming so much to tempt tourists into a relatively small area.”
More than 65,000 people attended last year’s Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links, near Inverness, and tens of thousands are expected to show up to this year’s event.
Combined with a TV audience of tens of millions, the tournament is the perfect opportunity to showcase what the area has to offer.
Local hotelier Stewart Spence, who owns The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, said local businesses will experience a huge benefit from the global advertising the tournament will give.
He said: “It’s very much a case that it is not just hotels who will benefit. With the tournament being broadcast in 140 countries, of course there is a knock on effect.
“It’s not so much the benefit it brings this year, but the benefit it will bring in the future. Businesses in Aberdeen couldn’t buy advertising like that.”