148th Open: Tourism chiefs 'blown away' by success
Royal Portrush attracting record crowds with interest exceeding expectations.
Last updated 20th Jul 2019
With two days still to go at the Open in Royal Portrush, NIGEL GOULD has been finding out the impact of tourism to date not only for the area but the whole of Northern Ireland
It's already been dubbed Northern Ireland's biggest-ever sporting spectacle...
And now we have the official confirmation.
Tourism chiefs confirmed yesterday that nearly 238,000 visitors will pass through the gates of Royal Portrush by the end of the weekend.
That not only makes it a special milestone for golf - but the entire sporting world across the province.
Organisers say they have been simply blown away by the success of this, the 148th Open. - with the crowds and ripple effects for tourism already exceeding expectations.
Tourism NI's Open project manager, Lesley-Anne O'Donnell says the tournament which was four years in the making, described the success so far as "incredible"
"Just to see the visitors coming in, the sheer numbers and volume.," she said
"The R & A confirmed that it's 237, 750 which is exceptional and looking at over 50% of that number being from out of state, for us it's just such a success and the excitement is incredible on and off course."
Before the tournament got under way, some local traders had expressed concern that they would not see an increase in trade as organisers do not allow readmission.
However Ms O'Donnell says the ripple effects for the industry will be felt right across the province.
"There's amazing opportunities at either side of that for the industry...early breakfast, later dinner services," she added.
"Then there's a full programme of events happening in Portrush with 'Live at the 148th Open' and then spread out into those areas that we know people are staying.
"Into Belfast, Derry/Londonderry there's activities happening throughout the day and the evening in those areas as well."
Meanwhile, the global attraction of golf's oldest Major is not only reflected in the huge throng of spectators visiting the seaside resort this week, but also in the huge media numbers.
There are more than 2,000 media representatives from all over the world - with millions of viewers tuning in daily.
The huge media centre marquee - more like NASA control room - is accommodating print, broadcast, online, blogger and social media journalists from the likes of America and Japan.