Confidence has been expressed that Clare will meet its accommodation challenges for three international golf tournaments coming to Clare and the MidWest in the near future.
Visit Clare’s annual ‘Tourism Together’ conference held at the Rine Hotel in Newmarket-On-Fergus heard, however, that an immense local effort will be required for this county to reap the full benefits.
This September, both the Walker Cup and Amgen Irish Open will be coming to Clare, with courses at Lahinch and Trump Doonbeg respectively gearing up for the occasions.
Both events are expected to inject millions into the local economy, however industry experts predict this county will see a much greater spending boost from the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare.
Approximately 18 months out from that tournament, the Ryder Cup’s Official Travel Services team has already contacted 1,100 out of Clare’s 1,800 hotel rooms to source accommodation.
Chair of Clare’s Tourism Advisory Forum and Hotel Woodstock Co-Owner, Seán Lally says short-term lets will have a huge role to play in meeting overall demand.
A presentation from Fáilte Ireland showed the average spend of a golf visitor to Ireland is €2,360 per person.
A leading travel expert has cautioned, however, that while Clare has some of the best links courses and coasts to showcase in Ireland, a plan needs to be put in place to reassure tourists that Ireland is a safe destination to access in the event of prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Eoghan Corry from Travel Extra.ie says there are huge benefits on offer.
The Chair of Clare’s newly formed Tourism Strategic Policy Committee, meanwhile, wants to see destinations across the county reap the rewards of the increased exposure to come.
Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says all areas of Clare have an opportunity to create return customers.
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