The influx of French and English rugby fans over the coming weeks will generate upwards of €40m for the national economy, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
Both this weekend’s encounter against France and the fixture against England on 18th March are sell-outs, with 55,000 fans attending each match in Aviva Stadium.
The Chamber estimate is based on research carried out during the 2015 Six Nations to determine the average spend of out-of-state visitors for matches. This will be backed up by data currently being collected by Fáilte Ireland to provide better data on the actual value of sports event tourism which instinctively and anecdotally is believed to be higher than is credited at present.
“The spend around the England game is likely to be particularly strong this year given the match is taking place on St Patrick’s weekend,” said Dublin Chamber CEO Mary Rose Burke.
“This means that may English visitors are likely to stay for a longer length of time in order to take in St Patrick’s Day and also the match in Dublin.”
“The Six Nations provides Dublin with the chance to demonstrate that it is a top destination for international sports events – which is particularly important given Ireland is bidding to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.”
“Similar to exports, large sporting events, and also concert tourism, have the capacity to generate growth in Ireland’s economy. Big sporting events do wonders for the Irish brand and help to put Dublin and Ireland in the shop window for tourists around the world. The country’s hospitality sector relies on major events and a strong events programme is key to growing tourism numbers.”
Team sponsors Vodafone are also looking forward to their first home 6 Nations since taking over the sponsorship in May of 2016.
“Today will be all about making sure that the plans we have been putting in place over recent months have all gone smoothly,” Gerry Nixon told Sport for Business last night at the premiere screening of the documentary Four Days in November which will air on RTÉ 2 directly after coverage of the game on Saturday night.
Electric Ireland will be promoting tonight’s U20 International at Donnybrook and Aon similarly at Sunday’s Women’s Six Nations at the same venue.
