To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) for his assessment of the potential development of golf tourism in Northern Ireland; and (ii) to detail any plans he has to develop a golf tourism strategy.

i) Over the period 2013 – 2019, golf tourism revenue grew from £27m to £52m, demonstrating a 93% increase in economic impact for the Northern Ireland economy.

For every £1 spent on green fees in Northern Ireland, a minimum of £4 is spent elsewhere in the economy.

Whilst the effects of Covid 19 and the ensuing international travel restrictions have had a profound impact on tourism worldwide, Northern Ireland golf tourism continues to have significant potential for future development.

Independent research commissioned by Tourism NI indicates that the top three reasons for international visitors choosing a golf break in Northern Ireland in 2019 were the quality of the courses, hosting The 148th Open and awareness of Northern Ireland’s Major champions.

With the announcement of the return of The Open in 2025, despite the huge challenge in rebuilding post Covid 19, these key motivators for travel remain in place.

In both Royal Portrush and Royal County Down we have links courses of world renown, complimented by a range of links and parkland courses across Northern Ireland. Our golfing visitors also wish to enjoy a range of visitor attractions and again the research indicates that their feedback is excellent, with 97% of our key American visitors rating their golf break to Northern Ireland as excellent.

Golf Events are a major revenue driver to the economy and present an opportunity to maximise global media exposure. The hosting of The 148th Open, Royal Portrush, was a watershed moment for Northern Ireland that delivered a combined economic benefit in excess of £106m. With the return of The Open to Northern Ireland in 2025, and a wider programme of golfing events, we will once again show the world why Northern Ireland is “Made for Golf”.

Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland will continue to capitalise on this potential through a programme of trade and consumer sales & marketing activities in core golf markets across the world.

ii) There was a comprehensive Strategic Review of Golf Tourism in Northern Ireland carried out for 2015-2020. Tourism NI, commissioned research to inform a golf tourism review for the period 2020 – 2025 on behalf of an independent golf advisory group, made up of key golf industry and stakeholders. Due to Covid 19, the publication of the updated market review has been delayed allowing additional international research to be conducted by Tourism Ireland into the post Covid-19 landscape. The final report is planned for publication within the next 6 months.