Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Ministers have hailed The Open's return to Royal Portrush as a golden opportunity to showcase the region to a global audience. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly visited the tournament on Thursday as an estimated 50,000 spectators descended on the north coast town for the opening day.
The golf championship is back at Royal Portrush Golf Club after previously being staged there in 2019 following a 68-year absence. Thursday's opening day has been described as the biggest sports event in terms of spectators ever held in Northern Ireland.
Economic potential highlighted
O'Neill emphasised the tournament's significant economic benefits, highlighting both the physical visitors and millions watching online. "It's great to be here again, to have The Open back with us again, and just in terms of what it means for us, in terms of the economic potential, so many visitors that come in person, millions that get online to watch what's happening as well," she said.
The First Minister described the event as "such a positive event for us" and expressed gratitude for having it return to the north west. She believes the tournament sends a clear message that Northern Ireland is "open for business" and will encourage tourism to the region.
Global showcase opportunity
"It showcases all that's good about us," O'Neill added. "I think it very much sends a message that we're open for business and I think that when people tune in and they'll see this beautiful part of the world, they'll know that the island is amazing, they should want to come here and we will very much will be promoting that message."
Little-Pengelly highlighted the "real opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland" to a "huge global audience watching". The deputy First Minister stressed the importance of the international exposure in an increasingly competitive marketplace for investment and tourism.
Tourism agencies maximising impact
"Seeing the beauty of what's here, seeing how professional the set-up is here, and hearing about Northern Ireland," Little-Pengelly explained. "That's huge because, of course, in a very crowded marketplace, when it comes to trying to attract that investment, attract that tourism, attract that high-value golf tourism as well, actually getting the opportunity at the likes of The Open with that really, really huge global audience, is that really good unique opportunity for us."
Both Tourism NI and Invest NI are working to maximise the opportunities presented by hosting the tournament. Little-Pengelly confirmed that the agencies are actively trying to capitalise on what she described as the biggest sporting event Northern Ireland has ever hosted in terms of spectator numbers.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
