Fife is gearing up to welcome a significant influx of visitors as The Open Championship returns to St Andrews from 11 to 18 July 2027. As one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, The Open is expected to attract a global audience of spectators, players, media, and partners, placing increased demand on accommodation across the region.
To support this demand, Fife Council has announced the opening of applications for Short-Term Let (STL) Temporary Exemptions, providing property owners with an opportunity to offer accommodation during the Championship period without requiring a full STL licence. Applications are open from 15th June to 4th October 2026, and with processing times of up to six months, early submission is strongly encouraged.
A temporary exemption allows a property to operate as a short-term let solely for a defined period aligned with the event. Property owners should note that they can only begin operating once the exemption has been approved. Those who already hold a full STL licence do not require a temporary exemption and may proceed directly with letting arrangements.
Alongside the council’s exemption process, The Open Experiences, the official accommodation provider for The Open, is actively seeking residential properties to include in its accommodation portfolio. The organisation works with property owners in the local St Andrews area (up to 20 min drive time) to connect them with trusted, high-quality clients attending the Championship, offering professional support throughout the letting process.
Property owners who register with The Open Experiences benefit from a managed and supported service, including advice on pricing, promotion of properties to potential guests, and reliable payment arrangements. Importantly, owners do not need to wait for their STL application decision before registering their property, enabling early preparation for the event.
To be eligible, properties must be available for a minimum period of 11 days during the Championship window, typically spanning from 10 to 20 July 2027. A property visit and agreed letting rate form part of the onboarding process, ensuring quality standards are maintained for visitors.
As part of wider preparations, Welcome to Fife will be attending The Open at Royal Birkdale in 2026, promoting Fife on an international stage and positioning the region as a must-visit destination ahead of 2027. This presents a valuable opportunity for local accommodation providers to showcase their properties to a global audience and benefit from increased visibility in the lead-up to The Open at St Andrews. Businesses are encouraged to ensure their listings on the Welcome to Fife website are fully updated and optimised, helping to maximise exposure to visitors, and event-related bookings. Keeping information current will help properties stand out and capture demand as interest builds in the destination over the coming year.
The coordinated approach between Fife Council and The Open Experiences aims to maximise accommodation capacity while ensuring appropriate regulation and quality assurance. By supporting both licensed operators and those accessing temporary exemptions, the initiative seeks to balance visitor demand with community and regulatory considerations.
Further information on STL licensing and temporary exemptions is available via Fife Council, while property owners interested in participating in official accommodation provision can register directly with The Open Experiences.
For further information on Temporary exemptions click HERE.
To register your property with Open Experiences click HERE
