64 | THE LOCAL TOURIST


www.nitravelnews.com THE LOCAL TOURIST


January 2026


153rd Open Championship Generates £280 Million Boost for NI


THE 153rd Open at Royal Portrush generated more than £280 million in economic benefit for Northern Ireland according to independent research commissioned by The R&A and Tourism Northern Ireland. Staging The 153rd Open provided a total economic impact to Northern Ireland,


of £89.2 million which has been


calculated by an economic impact study conducted by the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. Of this, £43.7 million was specifically within Causeway Coast and Glens. Furthermore,


global Championship—through


exposure of the linear television,


digital platforms and online media – produced


£191 million in destination


marketing benefit based on research carried out by YouGov. The Open’s celebrated return to the


iconic Causeway Coast attracted a record- breaking attendance of 278,000 – the largest Championship held outside of St Andrews and the biggest ever sporting event staged in Northern Ireland – surpassing the previous high mark of 237,750 set in 2019. Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The said,


R&A, “This remarkable economic


benefit figure of more than £280 million demonstrates the huge value The Open brings to the regions in which it is staged. As one of the world’s great sporting events it drives


tourism, generates substantial


additional income for local businesses and communities and attracts an international audience to watch the world’s best golfers compete at world-class venues. “We 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’s 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 Open a huge success.” The figures represent a significant


increase on the total economic impact generated when The Open was last held at Royal Portrush in 2019 – almost double for Northern Ireland (2019: £45 million) and growth of 67% for Causeway Coast and Glens (2019: £26.2 million). Key drivers behind the rise in the total


economic impact between 2019 and 2025 include


nationally and 100% regionally, more visitors


together with higher daily spending by spectators,


accommodation. More than half of those who attended


The 153rd Open (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. Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald “I very much welcome the news


said,


that The 153rd Open generated £280m in economic benefit for the north. This is unprecedented and demonstrates the importance of hosting such events for our economy. “The 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 boosted local


broadcast globally. It 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. “I 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. We look forward to The R&A returning for the next chapter soon.” Ellvena Graham,


Chair of Tourism


Northern Ireland, said, “We have always known that golf tourism is a key driver for the local economy and today’s economic impact figures are testament to that. “Tourism NI’s own research shows the benefits of The Open were widespread. Around 67% of those who attended the Championship extended their stay to visit other parts of the region, where they spent money and experienced our famous Giant Spirit welcome. Furthermore, golf clubs and local businesses reported a positive local economic impact.” Ellyena


Graham continued, “This


ground-breaking event will undoubtedly raise our standing on the world stage.”


Mourne Mountains Accommodation Awarded Four Star Grading by Tourism NI


A HOSTEL set in the heart of the Mourne Mountains has retained its four stars from Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme. The Stay incredABLE Mourne Centre, located near


Kilkeel, boasts breathtaking views of Slieve Binnian and the surrounding countryside. The latest Quality Grading Assessment of the property


found it to be great value accommodation for corporate, school, community and international groups offering easy access for walking and exploring the Mournes and surrounding areas such as Kilkeel and Silent Valley. Phillipa Boyle, Senior Quality Advisor at Tourism NI,


said: “The incredABLE Mourne Centre is an exclusive use facility and the perfect setting for large groups and residential trips.” “The property has been recently renovated and is sure to impress. Accessibility is a key priority at the


the growth in fan attendance which


increased by 134% and


staying in commercial


New Food and Beverage Experience Announced at Belfast International Airport


BELFAST International Airport has unveiled plans


beverage experiences as part of its wider five year £100m investment programme. Coffee bar ‘Soul and Grain’ is the first of the new


concepts, which opened on site this week, in partnership with leading food travel experts SSP Group. A brand-new 300-cover premium bar and kitchen concept


is being developed, to offer an elevated experience for passengers. Familiar favourites Starbucks and Burger King will remain alongside a new casual dining restaurant concept for families and larger groups. Northern Ireland’s iconic Lagan Bar will also be given a


makeover with increased seating capacity. This next phase of work further enhances the commercial


facilities at Belfast International and will complement the recently completed state-of-the-art security hall, world class duty- free shopping experience, new arrivals area, and enhanced forecourt. Dan Owens, Chief Executive of Belfast International


Airport said: “Northern Ireland is famous the world over for its hospitality and fantastic produce and we want to reflect that in the Airport through this next phase of investment. We are committed to ensuring that every passenger has a memorable experience when


travelling and an elevated food and beverage offering is central to that.” The new food and drink outlets will celebrate Northern


Ireland and Belfast’s rich culture, history and landmarks, with locally inspired dishes using regional suppliers and ingredients. They will be the centrepiece of the airport’s redeveloped terminal, transforming the existing space into a modern, passenger-friendly hub of dining options. Kari Daniels, CEO of SSP UK & Ireland said, “We have


worked with Belfast International Airport for over two decades, so we’re excited to be growing our footprint together once again at such a pivotal moment in the airport’s history. The changes we’re making as part of its redevelopment will showcase the best Northern Ireland has to offer for those living in and visiting the city.” Daniels continued, “Providing choice is one of our core


goals to ensure that we meet the needs of every passenger. We look forward to bringing a few of our most popular own brand concepts to the airport for the first time alongside a


fresh look for some enduring favourites.”


incredABLE Mourne Centre and each of the nine bedrooms are equipped with a modern ensuite, offering privacy to individual guests whilst travelling as a group. “The entire ground floor is fully accessible and five of


the bedrooms are located on this floor. One of the ground floor ensuites is also equipped with a ceiling track hoist.” “The incredABLE Mourne centre leads the way in terms


of hostel facilities and are to be commended for the high standard achieved as well as the dedication to providing an inclusive space for everybody to enjoy. Fond memories are sure to be made by all who visit the property.” Nigel Hampton, CEO of incredABLE, said: “We are


thrilled this four-star grading has been awarded to ‘Stay incredABLE’ The Mournes – our fully accessible, residential centre in the heart of Co Down.” “We hope through receiving this Tourism NI mark of


distinction that even more groups can enjoy an incredABLE short break in the beautiful Co Down countryside.”


for a range of new food and


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