Tourism NI Hosts International Golf Operators Ahead Of The Open
Mar 26, 2025
With just four months until The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, Tourism Northern Ireland this week brought together a select group of international golf tour operators to put the region’s premier golf experiences in the global spotlight.
More than 200,000 enthusiasts are expected to flock to Portrush this summer to watch the world’s top players compete.
Back in 2019, the 148th Open at Royal Portrush generated a combined economic and media impact of £106 million for Northern Ireland, marking the largest sporting event ever held in the region. The lasting benefits of that Championship continue to enrich the North Coast and beyond, not least in the pride it instilled throughout the province.
With the Championship scheduled for July 13–20, Tourism Northern Ireland invited 12 leading golf tour operators and influencers to explore the region on the North-West Showcase. Organized in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and Donegal County Council through the North West Development Fund, the familiarisation trip aims to elevate awareness of the North Coast’s outstanding golf courses, while positioning Derry as a prime base for visiting golfers.
Participants from key markets—including Britain, the US, Canada, France, Italy, and Sweden—will spend five days sampling both iconic courses and visitor attractions. On their itinerary are rounds at Portstewart Golf Club, Castlerock Golf Club, Ballyliffin Golf Club, North-West Golf Club, and Portsalon Golf Club, alongside showcases of local accommodation and non-golf experiences.
George Diamondis, Golf Marketing Manager at Tourism NI, said the North-West Showcase was an “excellent opportunity” to showcase some of the North’s best golf, accommodation and authentic visitor experiences on offer in the region.
“The Open returning to Royal Portrush this summer will once again shine the spotlight on Northern Ireland to a huge global audience, showcasing all that this incredible destination has to offer.
“We expect The Open to generate a huge interest and prompt golfers from all over the world to visit the region to play golf in the coming years.
“Hosting familiarisation trips such as this one gives us the opportunity to bring specialist golf tour operators to the North to experience our offering first hand and build relationships with the suppliers who will make up the packages they offer their clients.
Jennifer O’Donnell, Tourism Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, added: “This showcase event is a fantastic way to promote the region as a world-class golf destination.
“This collaboration allows us all to showcase our offering and help put the spotlight on what we have to offer to golf visitors.
“We believe that Derry City is the perfect location for golfers to base themselves so they can experience not only our unique culture and history but also sample our hospitality and vibrant cultural scene and leave with a lasting positive impression of their time here.”
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