The 148th Open at Royal Portrush generated more than £100 million of economic benefit for Northern Ireland, according to an independent study commissioned by The R&A and figures released by Tourism Northern Ireland today.
The Open, which returned to Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years delivered a total economic impact, new money entering the economy, of £45 million according to the study by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC). Northern Ireland also gained £37.3 million in destination marketing benefit from over 5,400 hours of global television coverage.
The figures relate to the week of The Open, and do not include the additional economic benefit accrued in the years following the Championship.
An additional £23.7 million has been identified by Tourism Northern Ireland in Advertising Equivalent Value for Northern Ireland Golf Tourism monitored in other media coverage across the island of Ireland and internationally.
The SIRC study – which was commissioned by golf’s governing body The R&A and supported by Tourism Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council – also concluded that the Causeway Coast council area alone received a £26.21 million injection of new money from The Open.
The 148th Open attracted 237,750 fans, an attendance record for a championship staged outside of St Andrews. Over half of the spectators who attended The Open (57.6%) travelled from outside Northern Ireland, including visitors from elsewhere in the UK (20.2%), from the Republic of Ireland (18.2%) and from overseas, the United States (11.1%), Canada (2.3%) and Australia (2.1%).
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.”
John McGrillen, Chief Executive Tourism NI, said, “The 148th Open at Royal Portrush was a ground-breaking event for tourism in Northern Ireland and its success further demonstrates Northern Ireland’s ability to seamlessly deliver world class events which have a very positive impact on the local economy. Behind the scenes a huge partnership effort across Government, Causeway Coast and Glens Council, PSNI, Translink and Tourism NI delivered an unforgettable week for players and spectators alike.”
David Jackson, Chief Executive, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “I am very proud of the role Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council played in The 148th Open, and these figures confirm its hugely significant impact on our economy. 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 will be felt for many years and I have no doubt the Causeway Coast and Glens will continue to capitalise on its experience as a world class host of The Open.”