Council splash out on Dubai trip

Jan 23 2009 by Stuart Wilson

SKINT South Ayrshire Council will spend £15,000 – sending employees on a golf trip to Dubai.

The cash splurge was ushered through the back door on the same day council chiefs closed Girvan swimming pool.

But they claim the business trip is too good an opportunity to miss.

Four officers from the council’s enterprise service team will jet to the Middle East for the Dubai Desert Classic, which tees off next Thursday.

And their brief is to promote South Ayrshire’s golf and tourism attractions to rich Arabs.

The council team will operate from their own kiosk at the event, which carries $2.5 million in prize money.

Council deputy chief executive, Graham Peterkin, claimed: “This is a unique opportunity for us to say ‘Come back to Ayrshire’ during this year’s Homecoming 2009 and encourage as many people as possible to come and share the excitement of the Open championships in Turnberry later this year.

“South Ayrshire has some of the best golf courses in the world and taking part in the Dubai Desert Classic is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase just what we have to offer.”

Council leader Hugh Hunter and Provost Winnie Sloan have also been invited to take their seats on the plane as VIP guests of Turnberry’s new owners, Leisurecorp.

But the decision to approve the trip behind closed doors has angered other councillors, who say the money could have been better spent.

A report had been prepared for a decision to be taken at last week’s full council meeting – only to be withdrawn and passed in private.

SNP councillor Tom Slider admitted: “It’s bizarre that the decision wasn’t taken by the full council, especially on a day when we had to disappoint the people of Girvan by shutting their swimming pool.

“It sends out the wrong message at a time when money is extremely tight.

“I’d quite happily have welcomed that £15,000 for my ward to spend on things like anti-social behaviour or diversionary work for kids.”

But council bosses claim their trip will be an investment if they catch the eye of world golf fans at the top event, won last year by Tiger Woods.

Mr Peterkin said: “This is a one-off opportunity in the Year of Homecoming to engage a significant potential market who would not primarily consider South Ayrshire as a holiday destination, to visit.

“This event allows us to interact directly with golfers, business people and expatriates who can really help us to make a difference to our tourism industry and boost our economy in future years.”

Mr Peterkin said: “This is a unique opportunity for South Ayrshire to be showcased in the Middle East, to raise awareness of Homecoming Scotland, and to encourage people to visit South Ayrshire in 2009 and in future years.

“For that reason we have decided to send highly skilled members of staff who have a detailed understanding of golfing and tourism facilities in South Ayrshire.

“The cost to the council of taking advantage of this opportunity is being met from the promotional and marketing budget already set aside for 2008/09.”