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Over 270,000 fans attended the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush <\/p>\nThe 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush generated more than \u00a3280 million in economic benefit for Northern Ireland, according to independent research commissioned by The R&A and Tourism Northern Ireland. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Staging The 153rd\u00a0Open provided a total economic impact of \u00a389.2 million to Northern Ireland, which has been calculated by an economic impact study conducted by the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. Of this, \u00a343.7 million was specifically within Causeway Coast and Glens.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, global exposure of the Championship \u2014 through linear television, digital platforms and online media \u2013 produced \u00a3191 million in destination marketing benefit based on research carried out by YouGov.<\/p>\n
The Open\u2019s celebrated return to the iconic Causeway Coast attracted a record-breaking attendance of 278,000 \u2013 the largest Championship held outside of St Andrews and the biggest ever sporting event staged in Northern Ireland \u2013 surpassing the previous high mark of 237,750 set in 2019.<\/p>\n
Over 270,000 fans attended the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush <\/p>\n
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, \u201cThis remarkable economic benefit figure of more than \u00a3280 million demonstrates the huge value The Open brings to the regions in which it is staged. As one of the world\u2019s great sporting events it drives tourism, generates substantial additional income for local businesses and communities and attracts an international audience to watch the world\u2019s best golfers compete at world-class venues. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe enjoyed a truly spectacular Championship at Royal Portrush and relished the incredible passion and enthusiasm of the fans who created such a fantastic atmosphere. It was hugely appreciated by the players who were competing for the iconic Claret Jug, including home favourite Rory McIlroy and this year\u2019s Champion Golfer, Scottie Scheffler. We would like to thank the government and the local agencies in Northern Ireland together with the staff and members of Royal Portrush for their support in making The 153rd\u00a0Open a huge success.\u201d<\/p>\n
The figures represent a significant increase on the total economic impact generated when The Open was last held at Royal Portrush in 2019 \u2013 almost double for Northern Ireland (2019: \u00a345 million) and growth of 67% for Causeway Coast and Glens (2019: \u00a326.2 million).<\/p>\n
Key drivers behind the rise in the total economic impact between 2019 and 2025 include the growth in fan attendance together with higher daily spending by spectators, which increased by 134% nationally and 100% regionally, and more visitors staying in commercial accommodation.<\/p>\n
More than half of those who attended The 153rd\u00a0Open (59.5%) travelled from outside of Northern Ireland, including England (17.3%), the Republic of Ireland (16.7%) and the United States of America (12.3%). Most fans (62%), particularly those from outside Northern Ireland (77%), were attending The Open for the first time.<\/p>\n
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said, \u201cI very much welcome the news that The 153rd Open generated \u00a3280m in economic benefit for the north. This is unprecedented and demonstrates the importance of hosting such events for our economy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe hosting of The 153rd Open here was a resounding success. We once again demonstrated our ability to host major events, strengthening our reputation across the world, including generating new tourism opportunities as our wonderful landscape was broadcast globally. It boosted local businesses and provided a platform for building relationships with investors, including an event in Derry that I hosted to showcase the north west as a location for international expansion.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am proud of our role in delivering The 153rd Open. I would like to thank The R&A for again entrusting us with the Championship, as well as Tourism NI and all the partners and volunteers who helped deliver such an amazing event.\u00a0 We look forward to The R&A returning for the next chapter soon.\u201d<\/p>\n