Hitting the Open road to Portrush - but what will it mean for traders?
Business owners say they're not expecting overnight windfall
Last updated 5th Jul 2019
As the countdown continues to Northern Ireland’s biggest-ever sporting spectacle – the Open Golf tournament at Royal Portrush, NIGEL GOULD has been gauging the views of the north coast business community – and discovers not everyone’s happy with the unprecedented tourist influx
The facts are staggering …
More than 200,000 spectators from all over the world will descend upon the famous north coast seaside town of Portrush – during a remarkable four-day period, starting on July 18.
Add to that 600 million plus global TV viewers – not to mention the predicted £80m windfall to the local economy – and the Open will be like no event before.
The beach resort has been preparing for the tournament for months – and recently unveiled a £17m makeover to the town centre including a new train station as part of a major regeneration scheme.
With tourist numbers expected to reach record numbers, business owners, in particular, are bracing themselves – with some shops opening late to cater for the potential additional custom.
Local councillor Norman Hillis owns a family retail business which has been operating in the town centre since 1935
He told Downtown & Cool FM that it will be an unforgettable occasion for everyone.
“Certainly without a shadow of a doubt, the anticipation is growing by the day,” he said. “I am really looking forward to the Open – and so are the locals – it’s the biggest event for the last 50 – 100 years – there’s never been anything quite like it.
Tracey Lafferty owns a bed and breakfast in Portrush All-Seasons B and B
She, like a lot of holiday accommodation owners in the area have already reaped the benefits- with a huge hike in bookings this year.
“It’s been very busy – very full on,” she said
“There’s been lots of work going on – the town is looking amazing.
"It will bring lots more tourists into our area – and that to me is what it’s all about.”
She believes that Northern Ireland, as a whole, will benefit.
“I think everybody will benefit from the golf coming to Portrush – not just myself but people going into the town and all around the area.
“I know plenty of businesses on the outskirts and they’re all fully booked.”
Darran Wallace, well-known local businessman who runs events company EVENTSSolutions.
“The build up so far has been fantastic – local businesses have had a big facelift – there’s a real buzz about Portrush at the minute – everyone is really excited,” he said.
“Even the general thing about businesses and the locals – everyone is very excited particularly with the tourism coming into the town so very exciting times ahead.”
However, traders are not banking on an overnight windfall.
Mr Wallace acknowledges businesses may not see the immediate benefits of the Open success.
“With the town being closed off, the access is going to be restricted - yes you can still access it on foot but the main concern for businesses is, is that going to put a lot of people off and with the golf being ticketed people are concerned that with people going into the golf event itself are they going to lose that business,” he said.
“But, as a whole, I think people are going to come to the town just for the atmosphere”
Others, though, including local chef Lee Howard, who runs the Posh-Nosh restaurant in the town are sceptical of any potential upsurge in sales
He said that, if anything, it could mean a DROP in business with tourists deciding to stay within the confines of the club.
“In general we don’t feel that there is going to be the revenue going into the town that maybe has been predicted," he said.
“Where the Open is it is all catered for by themselves – people are in they don’t get it out."
"With the July fortnight being our busiest time I think it will be a terrible shame for the town.
“It’s maybe years to come after the Open when we see the benefits – but immediately we are very doubtful it is going to bring revenue into the town.”