Over 200 local businesses joined Tourism NI, Council representatives, European Tour, PSNI, Volunteer Now and other speakers to discuss how best to maximise the business opportunity offered by the tournament which is being held from the 6th to the 9th July in Portstewart.
Tourism NI launched an industry toolkit at the engagement session to help local tourism businesses promote their goods and services aligning with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open activity.
Aine Kearney, Director of Business Support and Events Tourism NI commented;
“The potential of golf tourism is huge with the average golf visitor spending over £1700 per trip. Tourism NI wants to grow total revenue from golf tourism from £32 million to £50 million by 2020”.
“The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open aims to attract over 90,000 visitors to Portstewart and the surrounding areas of the North Coast and we want to work with the local tourism industry to plan ahead and maximise opportunities”.
“There is no doubt that the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will showcase the destination on a local, national and international stage and provides a perfect lead up to The Open in 2019.”
Simon Alliss, the European Tour’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Championship Director, commented;
“The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation is such a special event which captivates and engages the whole island of Ireland.”
“Nowhere is that more evident than here in Northern Ireland, where the whole community gets behind the tournament – not only from a fan perspective but also from local businesses and volunteers.”
“This year, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is set to be the biggest ever as part of the European Tour’s prestigious Rolex Series. Not only has the prize fund been increased by over 60% to US$7 million, but there will be a significant increase in investment in the fan and spectator experience to provide an event on a whole new scale. I know that the whole island of Ireland, as it always does, will step up to the plate in its support for its national open.”
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey commented; “Hosting The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in July is a tremendous honour for Portstewart, and it will showcase our Borough on a global stage. It is important that we are ready to welcome the huge numbers of expected visitors, and events like these industry engagement sessions will be crucial to this. I would like to thank all those businesses who took the time to attend, and we look forward to working closely with them as preparations continue in the months ahead.”
Source:- Tourism Northern Ireland
