Ben Martin, Senior Associate, Economics Research Associates (ERA) London, to speak at the 2003 European GOLF Investment and Real Estate Conference

October 28, 2003 -- Ben Martin, Senior Associate, Economics Research Associates (ERA) in London, will deliver a speech to a distinguished audience at the 2003 European GOLF Investment and Real Estate Conference in Athens on November 29, 2003.

"Golf is one of those land-uses that should be labelled 'handle with care'," says Ben. "It has a considerable amount to offer the developer, but needs to be thoroughly understood, from both a physical planning and economic perspective. Done well, golf has the potential to raise a multi-component project well above the sum of its parts, but can just as easily place a heavy burden on a resort's consolidated performance. I am therefore delighted that this conference is being held to explore some of the key issues that developers, investors and operators need to consider."

Career summary

Ben Martin has been working at the heart of a dedicated team of tourism and leisure consultants based at the London Office of Economics Research Associates since 1995. Over the last eight years his work has included golf and resort real estates studies across Europe, including projects in the UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy and Cyprus, and in Messinia, Corfu, and Crete (Greece).

Ben's areas of expertise include site and market analysis for golf and resort development and economic feasibility assessments (including financial modelling for complex multiple land-use resort schemes). Ben plays a key role during the early stages of project planning and development, and has been involved in membership programming studies for established courses and in-depth tour operator research as part of market review programmes. Relevant clients have included The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, Soros Real Estate Partners in Spain, and TEMES in Greece.

With consulting experience that stretches beyond golf to include hotels, timeshare, visitor attractions, retail and amenity provision, Ben brings a creative yet balanced approach to his work for ERA. He has a First Class Degree in Recreation and Tourism Management and a Masters (with distinction) in Tourism Management both from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK.

About ERA

Economics Research Associates (ERA) was founded in Los Angeles in 1958. Since 1981, the firm has been owned as a California Corporation by its principal consultants. The firm is an Anglo-American company, with the European office based in London and offices throughout the USA. The firm has a staff of about 100.

Starting with the Disney organisation in the late 1950's, ERA has advised on the majority of the leading attractions and tourist developments in North America. In addition, ERA has extensive international experience including consultancy and development advice in South America, Japan and the Far East, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. The European office, which opened in 1992 and is based in London, has undertaken studies throughout Europe.

ERA has completed more than 15,000 consulting engagements. The firm's experience is concentrated in three interrelated fields: (1) recreation, tourism, and leisure time; (2) economic development and planning; and (3) real estate and multi-component land use. Our work is divided approximately equally between the public and private sectors. About 20 percent of our assignments are conducted outside the United States.

Recreation, Entertainment and Tourism

ERA has a long-standing reputation in the field of recreation, tourism, and leisure time activities. The firm has crafted numerous tourism development plans for states and regions, has evaluated hundreds of specific public and commercial entertainment and recreation facilities, and has analyzed many high-profile special mass attraction events, including several Olympic Games, major sporting events, and world's fairs. Long known for its work with major theme parks, ERA has also led in the definition of responsible revenue generation and cost coverage programs for public park systems. The firm is also a leader in the development and programming of urban entertainment centres.

Economic Development and Planning

In urban and regional economics, ERA conducts economic base studies, urban redevelopment feasibility assessments, long-range master plans, and studies involving growth and development policies. The firm is frequently called upon to assess fiscal impacts of development projects and policies. ERA often performs negotiating services and analyses for public clients seeking public-private ventures. The firm has been involved in all four rounds of contemporary military base reuse planning, defense industry conversion, and community economic diversification since 1988.

Real Estate Consulting

Real estate and land use studies constitute a primary area of ERA project experience. ERA has studied the marketability, feasibility, and appropriate project densities for all property sectors. ERA also conducts project valuation analyses, portfolio reviews, and prepares independent review valuations during sales transactions. The firm has substantial experience in large-scale land development, destination resorts and hotels, mixed-use projects, golf, retail, and university-related development.

Further information

For further information, contact Peter Michel Heilmann, Founder & Director, INVgolf.

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