Over 215k Golf Tourists Set For NI Shores

As Northern Ireland prepares to welcome over 215,000 eager golf spectators for the Open Championship, local residents are being encouraged to share their support for the event on social media.

A host of the world's most elite golfers will grace the shores of the North Coast for the major competition at Royal Portrush next week, beginning on Thursday 18 July.

To get behind the exciting event, the public are invited to post a photograph or video on social media to demonstrate how they are supporting The Open, using #GiantWelcome #TheOpen.

It follows a recent Visitor Attitude Survey from Tourism NI which revealed that a friendly welcome helped Northern Ireland meet and exceed the expectations of 97% of leisure visitors and an astounding 95% of out of state leisure visitors indicated they would recommend it to others. Additionally, responding visitors all marked friendliness of local people and staff at over eight marks out of ten.

Lesley-Ann O'Donnell, Tourism NI Project Manager for The Open said: "With the eyes of the world truly on Northern Ireland this July, the Giant Welcome is about promoting the best of what we have to offer as a globally recognised destination.

"We already have some great examples of hotels, shops, restaurants, golf clubs and visitor attractions pulling out all the stops to give visitors a special NI welcome for golf fans and visitors alike. The #GiantWelcome provides a great opportunity to share our best and most creative welcomes to the world."

The most creative posts will be in with a chance of winning a range of prizes, including a professional golf lesson and overnight stay on the Causeway Coast.

Industry and tourism trade efforts will also be recognised with a prestigious trophy awarded to those displaying their most imaginative #GiantWelcome on social media.



(JG/CM)