Northern Ireland Welcomes £213M Boost from The Open Championship

The recent staging of The Open Championship has generated an estimated economic impact of £213 million for Northern Ireland, according to local business leaders and tourism officials. The tournament, held at the Royal Portrush Golf Club from July 16 to 23, 2023, attracted approximately 278,000 attendees, marking it as the largest Open held outside of St Andrews in Scotland.

As the event concludes, officials from Tourism NI express optimism about the lasting benefits for the region. Aine Kearney, a representative from Tourism NI, noted that the engagement with senior officials from the R&A (the Royal and Ancient Golf Club) has been overwhelmingly positive. Kearney stated, “We hope that puts us in a really good place in terms of them coming back as quickly as they did after 2019.”

The Causeway Chamber estimates that the tournament’s economic impact includes £63 million in direct benefits and an additional £150 million in global media value. A spokesperson from the Chamber commented, “The 153rd Open has once again placed Portrush and the Causeway coast firmly on the world stage.”

Local businesses have felt immediate financial benefits from the influx of visitors. Some establishments experienced high demand, with reports of bars running out of beer. With limited accommodation in Portrush, many attendees opted to stay in nearby cities, including Belfast, and commuted to the coast. Public transport provider Translink reported that over 200,000 passengers utilized its services during the tournament week.

The success of The Open underscores the potential for Northern Ireland to host major sporting events, although challenges remain. One of the key barriers has been the lack of large-capacity stadiums, which has hindered bids for events like the upcoming Euro 2028. The redevelopment of Casement Park, which aims to provide a 30,000-seat venue, is still pending full funding, creating uncertainty about its timeline.

Despite these obstacles, Kearney remains optimistic about the future of golf tourism in Northern Ireland. She mentioned that many visitors played golf during their stay, leading to increased revenue for local golf clubs. “The reports we have from all of our golf clubs is that their tee time sales were unbelievable,” she said, highlighting the potential for continued growth in this sector.

The visibility gained from The Open, broadcast to an audience of 100 million viewers across 190 countries, is expected to enhance Northern Ireland’s reputation as a premier travel destination. Kearney anticipates a similar economic bounce to that seen after the 2019 event, which recorded a 66% increase in tourism revenue to £86 million.

In conclusion, the successful hosting of The Open Championship not only brings immediate economic benefits but also positions Northern Ireland favorably for future international events. As local businesses continue to thrive, the legacy of this prestigious tournament is likely to resonate well beyond the final putt.