Ryder Cup brought Wales £82.4m

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March 24, 2011

A major economic impact study has shown that the 2010 Ryder Cup injected a total of £82.4m into the Welsh economy.

A major economic impact study has shown that the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor, near Newport, injected a total of £82.4 million into the Welsh economy, it was announced on Thursday.

The event attracted 244,000 spectators, but perhaps more important, the study shows, the Ryder Cup matches also helped firmly focus global television and worldwide media coverage on Wales.

The study, jointly funded by the major partners involved in the match, took into account the money spent on local travel, on-site spend, off-site spend, any extension to a visitor’s stay (excluding the unexpected extra Monday) and any associated additional spend.

The total spend, it has been estimated, was £82.4 million spent across Wales during the week of the event and this included South East Wales drawing £74.6 million and Newport £28.3 million.

Of the spectators interviewed, 69% had come from outside Wales, including 7% from the USA and Canada.

The vast majority of spectators (84%) from outside Wales confirmed that they were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the welcome they received and said their experience made it more likely they would again visit Wales to play golf (61%).

Carwyn Jones, the First Minister of Wales, said: “The Ryder Cup gave a very substantial boost to the Welsh economy during the week of the event and it will continue to deliver lasting benefits in terms of tourism, golf development and awareness of Wales as a place to do business.

“It’s particularly pleasing that, as the Host Nation, we rose to the occasion and gave the tens of thousands of visitors a very warm Welsh welcome which will form part of their memories of what was a thrilling event.

“The study sits alongside a recent announcement hat the economic impact of golf tourism in Wales during 2010 was nearly £42 million. This represents an increase of 21% from 2009.

“2010 was the seventh year since we started collating figures and in that period the total expenditure generated through golf tourism amounted to £203 million.

“The number of golfing visitors across Wales has increased 82% in the same period.”

Richard Hills, the European Ryder Cup Director, said, “The Celtic Manor Resort itself withstood everything the elements had to throw at it to provide a wonderful stage for the dramatic conclusion to The 2010 Ryder Cup, fulfill the bold vision of owner Sir Terry Matthews and enhance the resort’s global reputation.

The study showed a high level of recognition of Newport as the host city, with 93% of all those surveyed having seen branding associating The Ryder Cup with Newport. Even among people from outside the UK, 89% had made the association.

Matthew Evans, Leader of Newport City Council, said:”Newport has clearly benefited quite considerably from hosting The 2010 Ryder Cup – not only during the week of the event, as this study shows, but also in the run-up and in the longer term.

“As a council, we ensured the city was able to capitalise on its moment in the global spotlight and that every resident had a chance to join the celebrations, even if they were not golf fans.

“Many local businesses gained directly as a result of the event although we always recognised it was not going to bring financial rewards for everyone, especially in view of the economic climate

.”However, The 2010 Ryder Cup has left a number of legacies which will last long into the future including environmental and infrastructure enhancements, new opportunities for our children and worldwide recognition for the city as well as the continuation of the highly successful Newport Festival in 2011.”

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