Ryder Cup Provided Big Boost for Wales Economy


According to the BBC, the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor boosted the Welsh economy by £82.4m, according to an economic impact study. The study took into account money spent on- and off-site, local travel, and extended stays by visitors.

European Ryder Cup director Richard Hills said such events "deliver considerable direct and indirect benefits to the host nation and venue."

The survey was co-funded by the partners that staged golf's biggest tournament. Thousands of visitors and millions of television viewers put the spotlight on Wales. Total attendance for the match was 244,000.

The study, conducted by IFM Sports Marketing Surveys, involved more than 1,250 interviews with spectators during the event, followed by nearly 3,000 more online.

Russell Phillips, vice president of facilities and development at Celtic Manor in Newport, said the returns vindicated the "enormous investment" the venue made in attracting and hosting the Ryder Cup.

"Here at Celtic Manor, we experienced substantial increases in golf and leisure revenues in 2009 and 2010, and we've seen a further rise in bookings for 2011," he said.

"As a nation, Wales has undoubtedly gained huge benefits not only through the direct revenue injected into the economy but also in terms of recognition of the Wales brand globally."

For the full story, visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-12834078.