How The Open Championship at Portrush boosted the NI economy by a healthy £100m
THE Open golf championship held at Royal Portrush during the summer generated more than £100m of economic benefit for Northern Ireland, according to a study commissioned by organisers The R&A.
This year is predicted to be record-breaking for tourism in Northern Ireland, with 2.265m people expecting to have visited.
In July, the prestigious golf championship returned to Portrush for its 148th edition and for the first time in 68 years.
Around 237,750 fans flocked to the north coast with more than half coming from outside Northern Ireland.
According to the study by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre, the event generated an economic impact of £45m, with £26m directly affecting the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.
Northern Ireland also gained £37.3m in destination marketing benefit from over 5,400 hours of worldwide television coverage, the report said.
Tourism NI said an additional £23.7m was gained in media coverage of PR campaigns surrounding the championship across the island of Ireland and around the world.
Tourism NI has launched a drive to bring in £658m in revenue in three years.
Chief executive John McGrillen said The Open was a ground-breaking event for tourism in Northern Ireland.
“Its success further demonstrates Northern Ireland’s ability to seamlessly deliver world-class events which have a very positive impact on the local economy,” he said.
“Behind the scenes a huge partnership effort across government, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the PSNI, Translink and Tourism NI delivered an unforgettable week for both players and spectators alike.”
The figures relate specifically to the week of The Open, which will be held again in July next year in Sandwich in Kent.
It was announced in August that Northern Ireland’s top three golfers would be honoured with the Freedom of the Borough from the Causeway Coast and Glens Council for their efforts in bringing The Open to Northern Ireland again.
Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “The 148th Open at Royal Portrush made history as the largest sporting event ever to be held in Northern Ireland and generated a substantial economic benefit.
“The return of the Championship to Royal Portrush was eagerly anticipated and we enjoyed a hugely memorable week where we welcomed tens of thousands of spectators to an outstanding championship venue to witness Shane Lowry lifting the Claret Jug.”
David Jackson, chief executive of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said he was proud of the role that the council had played in the event’s staging.
“These figures confirm its hugely significant impact on our economy,” he said.
“Visitors to The Open were able to enjoy the unrivalled beauty of the Causeway Coast and the warm hospitality which our destination is renowned for.
“Research has shown that the positive effects of hosting The Open in Portrush will be felt for many years.
“I have no doubt the Causeway Coast and Glens will continue to capitalise on its experience as a world-class host.”