Register now to welcome visitors to the Open in Kent

A new website has been launched listing the Kent hotels, guest houses and local residents willing to take in bed and breakfast guests or even let out their house to golf enthusiasts during next year's British Open at the Royal St George's Golf Club, Sandwich.

The official website at www.opengolfsandwich.co.uk has been developed by Dover District Council in partnership with Visit Kent, Kent County Council, Thanet District Council and Canterbury City Council.

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

With high demand for places to stay, people with rooms or accommodation to let are being urged to register their details with the website as soon as possible. Existing quality-graded accommodation can do this for free. There is a £60 registration fee for temporary accommodation which covers the cost of the website listing and a visit by an Open Golf Accommodation Officer who will provide advice on facilities, rates, fire risk and public liability.

Fran Warrington, of Visit Kent, said:

"The website is designed to be a one-stop-shop for visitors and residents alike for every aspect of the 2011 Open in Sandwich.

"Bookings for accommodation next year are already being made and we will be promoting the website, the accommodation listings and taking bookings at this year's Open at St Andrews in July. So, we need as many accommodation providers as possible to have registered their details with us ahead of this year's championship."

In addition to accommodation, the website features details of golf courses in Kent, places to visit, events listings and will be updated regularly in the run-up to the tournament.

"Kent has an excellent reputation for its ability to host major sporting events. We are aiming to build on that reputation and ensure that we offer our visitors the warmest welcome in the UK," said Miss Warrington.

"Next year it is the Open at Sandwich and that will, of course, be closely followed by a tremendous influx of visitors from the UK and abroad enjoying the 2012 London Games.

"Both are perfect opportunities for us to showcase and celebrate our beautiful and diverse county with sporting enthusiasts across the world."

For further information, please visit www.opengolfsandwich.co.uk or call Dover District Council tourism team tel: 01304 240477. People with rooms or properties to let during the tournament should go to the Residents section of the website for full details and registration forms.