BusinessWith Tourism success on big award stage
The Open at Royal Troon and Heads of Ayr Farm Park each scooped a West regional award at the Scottish Thistle Awards on Thursday night.
The awards, put on by VisitScotland, celebrate the best of tourism.
Troon boy Johnnie ColeHamilton, executive director of The Open, picked up the award for Best Sporting Event.
He said: “Last year’s Championship at Royal Troon was attended by hundreds of thousands of spectators and watched by millions of fans around the world.
“We are delighted to have delivered £ 110million in economic benefit to the host region as a result.”
The ScotRail Best Visitor Attraction Award was won by Heads of Ayr Farm Park.
Boss Greg Rankin said: “As a family- run business, the families who visit us are at the heart of everything we do.
“We are proud to offer visitors of all ages, from newborns to greatgrandparents, a day out full of fun, adventure, and exciting animals. We are truly honoured to have won this award and will continue to strive for excellence.”
VisitScotland wants to shut the Ayr Tourist Information Centre, the last in mainland Ayrshire.