Six Nations rugby gives tourism a £50m boost

SCOTLAND’S Six Nations rugby campaign is expected to generate more than £50million in tourism, it was revealed yesterday.

VisitScotland said the tournament, which kicks off with England at Murrayfield today, would bring ‘huge tourism benefits’.

A 2014 Royal Bank of Scotland report found that, in a typical season, visitors to Edinburgh for RBS 6 Nations matches generated £52million for Scotland’s economy, £ 30million of i t for Edinburgh.

The research also showed that £35million (£24million in Edinburgh) comes from spending by visitors who attend the matches and family and friends.

Some £17million (£6million in Edinburgh) comes from spending in hotels, restaurants and bars.

Scotland will host two fixtures at Murrayfield in this year’s championship – the Calcutta Cup today and the match against France on Sunday, March 13.

VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: ‘The RBS 6 Nations games provide more than just entertainment, they represent a multi-millionpound tourism opportunity.

‘We look forward to welcoming rugby fans to the games with England and France.’

Dominic McKay, Scottish Rugby’s chief operating officer, said: ‘The economic impact rugby generates throughout the RBS 6 Nations means we can invest money each year into grassroots rugby across the country, to grow the game for the future.’ Reach for the stars – Back Page