SportBusiness.com

Ryder Cup provides £35m boost for tourism

The economic impact of golf tourism for Wales, which hosts The Ryder Cup this October at Celtic Manor in Newport, has been valued at £34.7 million for 2009, an increase of 18 per cent from 2008.

According to figures from the National Golf Tourism Monitor, the number of golfing visitors to Wales has increased by 11 per cent over the past year with increases also in the length of stays and average expenditure by visitors.

“The strength of The Ryder Cup brand has given a huge boost to our international profile and golfing tourism has also benefited from our wide ranging investment in new and improved facilities throughout Wales,” said John Jermine, chairman of Ryder Cup Wales.

“With over 90% of visitors rating their golfing experience good or better we have built a strong foundation for further growth in the future - the clubs have recognised the value of good quality and Welsh hospitality.”

The research also shows a considerable increase in day visits from golfers based in the UK.

The National Golf Tourism Monitor is carried out by IFM Sports Marketing Surveys and captures information about the trends in the volume and value of visiting golfer rounds played on golf courses in Wales.