Derry Chamber warmly welcome the return of The Open Championship to Royal Portrush this week. A landmark opportunity for the entire region, the prestigious event is expected to draw more than 278,000 fans and is already generating excitement across Derry and beyond as the economic benefits look set to eclipse those of the historic 2019 championship.

According to new research from Sheffield Hallam University’s Sports Industry Research Centre, The Open 2025 is projected to contribute an impressive £213 million to the Northern Ireland economy, more than doubling the £100 million total seen in 2019. This includes £63 million in direct economic impact and an estimated £150 million in destination marketing value, highlighting Northern Ireland’s growing global profile.

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of the Derry Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The Open 2025 returning to Portrush is not just a celebration of world-class golf, it’s a monumental opportunity for our regional economy. The projected figures show a sharp upward trend in both attendance and spending, and Derry is perfectly positioned to benefit from the spill-over tourism and international attention.

“We’re proud to be part of a connected, confident North West that continues to punch well above its weight. From hospitality and retail to transport and cultural tourism, this is our moment to shine on a world stage once again.

Key improvements since 2019 underline the growing scale and impact of The Open, with visitor numbers set to rise from 237,750 in 2019 to 278,000 for this year’s Open Championship.

The Open represents a global stage for Northern Ireland to showcase its business community, warm hospitality, and dynamic tourism offering, and we encourage our members to seize the momentum created by this global event.

With thousands of visitors discovering the potential of our region, there’s an opportunity to take advantage of significant footfall and achieve repeat tourism. The Open is more than a tournament – it’s a catalyst for connection, tourism, and economic opportunity.