Visitors preparing to make a trip to the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area, have a new tool for planning.

The 2007 Destination and Golf Guide, published by the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), has been completely redesigned and features all new photography.

The guide is the ultimate, must-have reference tool for planning any visit, family vacation, or group golf outing to the area.

This attractive, full-color, 64-page guide is available free of charge for visitors, and compiles all relevant visitor information, including lodging and golf package rates. Easy to read, it includes color-coded sections and maps and expanded coverage of area shopping, restaurants and attractions.

Also new for 2007 is an interactive online version of the book, accessed on the home page at www.homeofgolf.com. The online version has links to all advertisers, and is available to view or print for visitors online.

The cover of the guide features a photograph of Legacy Golf Links, and Director of Golf Chad Derusseau, shot by noted photographer Chip Henderson.

"The goal in designing the cover was to embody the sublime experience of the great game of golf," said Mary Kim Koppenhofer, director of marketing for the CVB. "A player takes a relaxed stroll across a lush, sun-dappled green, head turned to look across the unseen expanse of the course to his left. The photo represents a quiet moment that every golfer yearns for."

Interior section introductory photography was taken by famed photographer Bill Lusk at local area businesses, including Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club, National Golf Club, Theo's Taverna, Gap Creek Candle Co. and Chef Warren's.

Tourism is one of the major drivers of the local economy for the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area, generating in excess of $326 million annually.

"We're extremely pleased with the design and content of the 2007 version of the Destination and Golf Guide," said Caleb Miles, president and CEO of the CVB. "It delivers our brand message accurately and passionately, while providing the ultimate planning vehicle for the 1.2 million visitors expected to visit the destination during the year."

With a circulation of 85,000, the Destination and Golf Guide for the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area is distributed direct to visitor inquirers and through a number of outlets by the CVB, including welcome centers throughout North Carolina, AAA offices, large visitor events, meetings and conventions, and golf and travel trade shows nationally and internationally.

Anyone wanting a free copy can call toll-free (800) 346-5362, order online at www.homeofgolf.com, or stop in at the Visitor Information Center at 10677 U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines.

The CVB is an economic development organization and nonprofit authority of Moore County. It is charged with the mission of promoting the area as a destination for visitors and for meetings, conventions and tours.