Register Now To Welcome Visitors To Open

As part of their preparations to welcome and accommodate visitors to the Open Golf Championship in Sandwich next year, Dover District Council are reminding local residents willing to offer bed and breakfast for guests that they can register their details on a new website.

DDC and partners are working hard teeing up for the Open Golf Championship, and with less than a year to go are busy topping up their list of available accommodation. A new website has been launched aimed at being a 'one-stop shop' for visitors and residents. The site lists all accredited Kent hotels, guest houses and local residents willing to take in bed and breakfast guests, as well as travel and local resident information.

There is a £60 registration fee to become a temporary accommodation provider, which covers the cost of the website listing and a visit to provide advice on facilities, rates, fire risk and public liability. Colebrook and Sturrock are the official agents for property lettings over the period of the Open.

More than 180,000 spectators staying between one and seven nights attended the Open when it was last staged in Sandwich in 2003 - contributing an estimated £17.6 million to the local economy. Even more visitors are expected for the 2011 tournament, which takes place from July 10 to 17.

The website has been developed by Dover District Council in partnership with Visit Kent, Kent County Council, and Canterbury, Shepway and Thanet Councils.

For further information, visit www.opengolfsandwich.co.uk or call DDC tourism team on 01304 240477.