Belfast (TAN): The tourism and hospitality industry across Northern Ireland is gearing up to welcome more than 215,000 spectators and visitors from around the world during July 14-21, 2019 when the 148th Open will be played at Royal Portrush.
The golf tournament is marking a historic return to Northern Ireland after nearly 70 years. The Open was last staged at Royal Portrush in 1951, when Max Faulkner became Champion Golfer of the Year.
This will only be the second time in the Championship’s more than 150-year history when The Open is staged outside of Scotland and England. Sports fans from throughout Ireland and around the world are expected to come to the town of Portrush to watch the world’s greatest golfers compete for the iconic Claret Jug.
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Tourism Northern Ireland has already announced its plans to extend its WorldHost Ambassador for Golf training programme facilitated by People 1st International across six more council areas, including Belfast City Council, ahead of the mega event.
Speaking about the expansion of the programme Carolyn Boyd, Tourism NI industry development manager, said: “Golf visitors have high expectations and take into consideration the quality of courses and accommodation along with local experiences such as food and drink. Working with our local councils, this training ensures that the industry has the core skills required to meet the expectations of golf visitors not only during The 148th Open but also beyond, so that they are encouraged to return to Northern Ireland and bring family and friends.”
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Lord Mayor of Belfast, councillor Deirdre Hargey said: “The 148th Open is the biggest sporting event ever to come to the north and will shine a spotlight not just on our spectacular north coast but on the entire region. Many of our visitors will travel via Belfast, arriving at our city port and airport. We want the tourism and hospitality industry in our capital city to be ready with a warm and friendly welcome, ensuring that visitors are left with a positive experience of what they found here.”
